Daybreak

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 01:03:51
Solo performer: Chris Hopkins (piano). Recorded at Alte Kirche, Boswil, Switzerland on February 2 & 3, 2000. Includes liner notes by Siegfried H. Mohr. Recording information: Alte Kirche, Boswil, CH (02/02/2000/02/03/2000). This master class in early jazz piano styles is presented by the young Chris Hopkins, a New Jersey-born and German-bred pianist who started out on harpsichord as a child but soon discovered the virtuoso jazz styles of such early greats as Earl Hines, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, and stride colossi James P. Johnson and Willie "The Lion" Smith. It's the influence of those stride masters that comes across most clearly in Hopkins' own playing, although he assimilates them into a personal style that combines the athletic vigor of their approaches with an elegance and gentle touch that probably has its roots in his harpsichord training. In fact, some listeners may find him a bit too light-fingered, wanting him to rock out a bit more from time to time. But his inventiveness and structural insight cannot be faulted -- his stride interpolations on "Cheek to Cheek" and his tribute to jazz composer Jess Stacy both spring from a deep intimacy with this repertoire. And when he puts his brain and hands to work on compositions by Duke Ellington (in particular the surpassingly elegant "Dancers in Love"), the effect is especially thrilling. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson
録音 : ステレオ (Studio)