Berlin Jazz Piano Workshop 1965

The Berlin Jazz Piano Workshop is a perfect example of how much Europeans appreciate jazz more than American audiences, along with the willingness of European television to broadcast such star-studded, diverse programs. Videotaped on October 30, 1965, the program begins with "Blues in D," an extended introduction started by Earl Hines, with each pianist (Teddy Wilson, John Lewis, Lennie Tristano, Bill Evans, and Jaki Byard) taking his place as the rhythm section (bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer Alan Dawson keeps the song going. From there most of the remaining tracks are individual features, highlighted by Hines' playful "Memories of You," Evans' sizzling "Beautiful Love," and Byard's wild "Free Improvisation" with Pedersen and Dawson that eventually segues into a striding original by the pianist. Hines and Byard join for an encore romp through the older pianist's "Rosetta." There are also two bonus audio tracks (which were unfortunately not videotaped) included to complete the original program. ~ Ken Dryden|