Piano Jazz

One of the last volumes of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz to be issued in its entirety on CD before "Concord" abandoned the series as too expensive to continue was her meeting with Jay McShann, recorded during one of her first seasons hosting the long-running National Public Radio series. McPartland responds enthusiastically during the beginning of her interview with McShann following his delightful boogie-woogie opener, "Vine Street Boogie." McShann follows up with a bluesy take of "Georgia on My Mind," which he also sings warmly. McPartland leaves the spotlight on her guest during most of the program, taking only a single solo for herself, an imaginative impromptu arrangement of Mary Lou Williams' "What's Your Story Morning Glory?," and joining her guest during two numbers, a playful "'Deed I Do" and an inspired boogie-filled "Oh, Lady Be Good." Anyone who enjoys the radio series will want to acquire this CD. ~ Ken Dryden|