A Masterpiece!
B. J. Lane | Levittown, PA United States | 07/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For years, Bob Florence has been (and still is) one of jazz's most imaginative and original composers and arrangers. He holds a prominent spot in my record/CD collection.This new CD shows another side of his amazing talent (hence the title) as a sensitive, lyrical pianist trained in the classics. Each track on the CD gives Bob ample room to stretch his creative wings, and he brilliantly demonstrates the ability to treat a standard (such as "All the Things You Are," "Take the 'A' Train," and others) as if he had just composed it.I've been a fan of Bob's music for years (especially his superb arranging for singers). To his many big band fans...you are in for a real treat. ENJOY!"
"Another Side" May Be Florence's Best Side
Steve Emerine | Tucson, AZ United States | 07/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When most of us jazz fans hear Bob Florence's name, we immediately think of his splendid big-band arrangements and CDs, but this new offering from the MAMA Foundation shows an entirely different Florence -- the melodic and thoughtful solo pianist. From the opener, "Take the 'A' Train," to the final tune, "Auld Lang Syne," Florence lets his fingers do the talking, and the result is reminiscent of some of the Bill Evans solo albums. "All the Things You Are," "Chelsea Bridge," "How Deep Is the Ocean?", "Laura," "Stella by Starlight," "Emily," "Sentimental Journey" and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" -- either by themselves or as part of a medley -- are excellent, and you've probably never heard the theme from "M*A*S*H" played as Florence plays it. I've played this CD a dozen or more times, either concentrating on it exclusively or while working or reading, and I'll hear it a dozen or more times before it goes into the rack. To me, Florence's other side is even better than his big-band side."
A pleasant surprise
Rocky Mountain Jazz Fan | Wyoming USA | 12/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love great jazz piano, but I usually prefer it with a rhythm section--drums and bass, at least. So, when a friend gave me this solo album by Bob Florence, I wasn't quite sure whether I would like it.
Well, I needn't have worried. Bob Florence didn't need a rhythm section--he carries this off quite well by himself. A couple of my non-jazz fan friends heard this and asked, "This is jazz?" Well, yeah, it is. And very good jazz at that. Florence just sits down at the piano--and brilliant improvosation leaps from his brain to the keyboard. This is very relaxing jazz that manages NOT to be the boring schlock that so much "smooth" (read: let's-make-this-really-syrupy-and-commercial-so-somebody-who-doesn't-know-what-jazz-should-be-will-buy-it) jazz is today.
The best tune on an album with no bad tunes is an unlikely medley--the theme from "M*A*S*H," Peggy Lee's "The Shining Sea," and the relatively sparsely recorded tune, "You Are There." This is the kind of medley that a great jazz player might perform spontaneously at a live gig--one that would have the audience captivated. One that leaves you saying, "How did he think to put that together?"
If you like great piano performances, whatever the genre, this album shouldn't disappoint. If you love jazz piano, then you'll love this album all the more."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1