Dick Hyman - Dick Hyman Plays Fats Waller

×

Dick Hyman - Dick Hyman Plays Fats Waller

Close

Dick Hyman is the rarest of repertory artists, combining exceptional technique and musical taste with a keen sensitivity to the nuances of the music he's playing. Rather than simply try to re-create the music, Hyman immerses himself in it to such a degree that it becomes his own. That involvement is apparent here, in this highly personal homage to Fats Waller, who was both a superb songwriter and a great jazz pianist. Hyman provides warmly lyrical versions of the best-known songs, like "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose," and virtuosic treatments of the pieces on which Waller developed the art of stride, imbuing them all with his own distinct personality. Like all of Hyman's Reference recordings, this is superbly recorded, with brilliant fidelity and presence. Amazon

Strange as it seems, pianist Dick Hyman was not present at the recording session that resulted in this CD. Months earlier, Hyman performed 15 Fats Waller songs on the Bosendorfer 2905E reproducing piano in New York. A computer floppy disc of the date was sent to California where it was recorded direct to CD. But more important than the technology involved is the music itself. Sometimes Hyman seems to take these pieces a little too seriously, treating "African Ripples" and "Viper's Drag" as if they were classical music but, to his credit, his treatment of the Waller compositions (mixing in the familiar with obscurities such as an enthusiastic "I'm Goin' To See My Ma" and a very complex version of "Bach Up To Me") does not attempt to copy Fats' style. A surprisingly uptempo version of "Stealin' Apples" and a thoughtful rendition of "Ain't Misbehavin'" are among the highpoints. Recommended. All Music Guide