Search - Tete Montoliu :: Boston Concert 1

Solo Jazz Piano Masterclass

S J Buck | Kent, UK | 11/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This solo recording of the blind Catalan Jazz Pianist Tete Montoliu was recorded in 1980 at Boston University, Massachusetts. The first thing to say about these recordings is that Piano sounds very good for a live recording.



Montoliu is a verstile Pianist, one minute he'll be playing in a modern idiom, and in next moment bluesy or then maybe bebop. On the opening track 'New England Blues' you do get this mixture of styles. Another trademark of his occurs after four and a half minutes of the opening track when he starts a walking 4 to the bar left-hand.



Whatever he's playing Montoliu is an inspired improvisor with technique in abundance. The rest of this solo concert is on a 2nd volume, which if anything is the better album, although now quite difficult to get hold of. It contains an amazing version of Giant Steps. In the meantime treat yourself to one of the best ever European Jazz Pianists by buying this recording."