Album Reviews

What a lovely record this is. The magisterial pianist and the great bassist join forces for a series of heartfelt, deceptively simple-sounding duets on standard songs, and the results make for irresistible jazz. On one level, the music is gloriously romantic; on another, it is full of subtlety and invention. Jarrett plays with a passion and focus remarkable by even his high standards, while Haden is a model of quiet support. It really is something special; rush out and buy. AV

Roy Eldridge / Benny Carter: Urbane Jazz (Poll Winners Records) 9.99

Another winning reissue from the late '50s, featuring a pair of swing era titans on their best form. The contrast between Carter's elegant alto playing and the fiery, unpredictable trumpet work of Eldridge makes for compelling listening. Blues and standards are the order of the day, and the two stars attack Polite Blues and The Moon Is Low with relish, supported by the underrated Bruce McDonald on piano. It's mainstream jazz at its finest. AV

Chopin: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 3 Harmonia Mundi HMU 907464 13.99

Poetry flows from the fingers of the Russian-born Olga Kern, unhurried accounts of these wonderful sonatas issued to mark the composer's bicentenary. Never has the Funeral March's tolling bell in the second sonata sounded so sad and chilling, and throughout, she draws attention to subtle detail. Yet when outgoing virtuosity is needed, Kern thrills, mercurial fingers rippling through runs with crystalline brilliance. Stunning playing, fabulous sound. DD

Dohnanyi: Variations on a Nursery Song Naxos 8.572303 5.99

Popular among audiences and keyboard virtuosos, this piece of gentle fun comes from the otherwise appallingly neglected Erno von Dohnanyi. So why not try some of the most attractive light music from the 20th century in his Symphonic Minutes, and, with echoes of Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, the charming Suite in F sharp minor. Fabulous performances from Eldar Nebolsin in the Variations, the Buffalo Philharmonic with conductor Jo Ann Falletta rivalling any orchestra in the States. Great sound. DD