Completely under-appreciated phenomenon
David Dorfman | Brooklyn, NY USA | 06/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Walter Norris has been performing extraordinary music for more than forty years--with Chet Baker, Ornette Coleman, as the house pianist at the Playboy Mansion, with Thad and Mel, in duos with George Mraz, with Joe Henderson, as a solo artist. Lyrical, gut-busting, classical, progressive. It never fails to amaze how someone of such amazing gifts can remain largely unknown and so under-appreciated. "Drifting" is his breakout Enja album with George Mraz on bass. You don't miss the drums. His take on "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" is so emotional, with great touch and such musical choices. "Rose Waltz" equals it with great lyricism. The title tack of "Drifting" is virtuosic to the nth degree. Turn on to Walter Norris--you won't regret it."