Don Friedman Trio - Waltz for Debby (Edition japonaise)
Piano – Don Friedman
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Lewis Nash
Written by Don Friedman (A1, A4), Cole Porter (A2), Bill Evans (A3), Chick Corea (B1), Johnny Mandel (B2), Willard Robison (B3)
1 LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : unspecified
Label : Eighty-Eight's
Original Label : Eighty-Eight's
Recorded at Avatar Studio, New York on May 28, 2002
Recorded by David Baker
Produced by Yasohachi "88" Itoh
Mastered by Koji 'C-Chan" Suzuki at Sony Music Studios, Tokyo
Artwork by Kazumi Kurigami
Design by Hiroko Umezawa
Liner Notes by Shoji Ichikawa
Photography by John Abbott
Originally released in 2003
Tracks:
Side A:
- 35W. 4th St.
- I Concentrate On You
- Waltz For Debby
- Blues In A Hurry
Side B:
- Bud Powell
- The Shadow Of Your Smile
- Old Folks
Reviews:
“This trio date led by Don Friedman is comparable to a typical Bill Evans session in several ways. Joined by bassist George Mraz and drummer Lewis Nash, one hears three strong musicians interacting rather than a rhythm section playing follow-the-leader with the pianist. Secondly, Friedman, like Evans, loves playing great melodies. Finally, Friedman is a gifted composer, though his pieces are obviously not as well known as Evans' works. But the comparison ends there, as Friedman has a distinctive style of his own. The title track is obviously Evans' best-known composition, though Friedman's interpretation of it is more aggressive and features a melodic solo by Mraz as well. Friedman's lyrical side is readily apparent in his warm rendition of Michel Legrand's bittersweet ballad "You Must Believe in Spring." The pianist is at his most adventurous skirting around the theme to Johnny Mandel's lovely "The Shadow of Your Smile," propelled by Mraz's phenomenal bassline until Nash is added and the setting of the piece is modified into a brisk samba. His originals merit attention as well. "35 W. 4th St." is a catchy post-bop theme, while the furiously paced "Blues in a Hurry" seems to catch the hustle and bustle of New York City. It's not surprising to learn that Friedman composed "Flamands" as a result of visiting the West Indies. Mraz takes the lead and has a prominent role throughout this infectious piece. "From A to Z" salutes his good friend, the late guitarist Attila Zoller, and includes an excellent drum solo by Nash. Friedman's closer is a breathtaking solo of Willard Robison's sentimental ballad "Old Folks." This intimately recorded studio session is an obvious keeper.” AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.25 / 5