Search - Marian Mcpartland, Dave Brubeck :: Piano Jazz

A formidable piano duo

DANIEL MILES | FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA United States | 11/07/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although some of the guests in the Piano Jazz Series stretch the bounds of the title (by either not being pianists at all or not really jazz pianists) occasionally Marian McPartland has a guest who fits the bill perfectly. Dave Brubeck is certainly a jazz pianist and probably the quintessential one at that with his reputation for experimentation and pushing the limits of the form. Although the conversation occasional strays to (relevant) ruminations on the late great Paul Desmond and the even greater Louis Armstrong, most of the discussion revolves around music itself. There's clearly a mutual admiration society going here, but it's understandable considering that these two artists share such a mutual passion for jazz piano. They perform such Brubeck staples as "In Your Own Sweet Way" and the obligatory "Take Five". Brubeck also demonstrates such techniques as changing keys with his right hand but not his left and the interesting effect that is created. The piano playing on the disc is very sophisticated and you can tell that both players are having a great time working off of each other. This is one of the better entries in the series."