Search - Marian Mcpartland, Dick Wellstood :: Piano Jazz

Wellstood Lives!

Paul Asaro | Seattle, Washington | 12/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a stride pianist myself I can say without a doubt that Dick Wellstood has been my strongest single source of recorded inspiration. The reasons for this influence on myself and many other jazz pianists are readily apparent on this CD. Wellstood's straightforward intelligence and unique humor in conversation with Marian McPartland is highly descriptive of his approach to playing the piano. "Stride" piano was where he began as a jazz pianist in the 1940's and it remained the cornerstone of his style, but he continued to develop and add other elements to his playing throughout his life from a wide variety of musical sources. This CD was recorded in the early 1980's when he was certainly reaching the height of his powers. It is an invaluable recorded document of a sadly overlooked and neglected jazz artist."

Fine solos, average duets

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 09/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of McPartland's National Public Radio "Piano Jazz" programmes, this one from June 1981 features the inimitable Dick Wellstood. He solos excellently on "Ain't Misbehavin'", and "Snowy Morning Blues / Carolina Shout", gives a fine ballad reading of "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You" and romps through his much recorded "Ellington Medley" (featuring a formidable stride transformation of "Caravan"), McPartland solos on "Detour Ahead", and the remaining tracks are rather uninspired duets. McPartland seems rather wary of Wellstood's keyboard prowess, and prudently avoids up-tempo pieces.The interview sections are entertaining, with Wellstood claiming not to be able to play any classical music, recalling his meeting James P. Johnson, and expressing trenchant views on bass players ("I hate bass players").Not essential Wellstood. Those wanting a reprersentative CD of Wellstood at his best should go for "Live at Hanratty's" or "Live at the Sticky Wicket", but this is an enjoyable CD, worth searching for."