Record Reviews

BRIAN DEE ~ SECOND SIGHT SPOTLITE 543 (Barcode: 736598154329) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 1992 This is an album by British pianist / composer Brian DeeFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format with bassist Mario CastronariFind albums by this artist and drummer Bobby WorthFind albums by this artist. One of the tracks is a solo piano recording and percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents ten tracks, four of which are original compositions by Dee and the rest are standards or compositions by others. Criminally rarely mentioned, Dee was for decades one of the greatest “shadow” musicians on the British scene, playing with the best local and international musicians, in orchestras and mostly appreciated as accompanist of Jazz and Pop vocalists. As this album proves, Dee was a superb piano player with a beautiful tone and rare sensibility. Although his work was entirely within the modern mainstream genre, he was definitely one of the finest British Jazz piano Masters for decades. Supported here by an excellent rhythm section Dee performs a wide selection of his own compositions and music written by others, playing with rare fluency and obvious sensibility, all of which deserve a much wider recognition. Overall, this is a superb classic Jazz piano trio album, which Jazz lovers should be able to enjoy immensely, as much as they do the fork of much more famous pianists. A true delight!

Updated: 18/06/2025Posted: 18/06/2025

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HOWARD RILEY / MARIO CASTRONARI / TONY MARSH ~ WISHING ON THE MOON FMR 014 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1995 British pianist / composer Howard RileyFind albums by this artist is primarily known for his numerous improvised solo piano recordings and duets with fellow improvisers, like Keith TippettFind albums by this artist. As one of the greatest pioneers of British / European Improvised Music, he achieved in time a legendary status among his peers and fans alike. In contrast to his solo / duo recording, Riley’s piano trio albums are often reflections of his more lyrical and gentle side, bringing up his Jazz roots. This delightful album is no exception. Supported by two superb musicians, bassist Mario CastronariFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony MarshFind albums by this artist, Riley delivers, what might appear as an almost “conventional” Jazz album. Of course there is nothing conventional about his exceptional improvisational ability or the performances by all three musicians, but the overall effect of the album is more acceptable to a listener, who might find it difficult to face Riley’s “usual” output. Of course some of the pieces on this album are freely improvised and others are melodic, but the album’s immediate “appeal” is magical. This is a great example of masterly performed music, which escapes classification and goes directly to one’s heart. Most warmly recommended, especially to listeners who are not familiar with this great musician and could use this album as an entry point to discover a new world of music.

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