Bill Charlap Written - In The Stars Bluenote excellent - see pic

In this CD, Charlap covers some classic tunes like a graduate from the Bill Evans school of elegant understatement. His trio mates contribute similarly economical but steady rhythms. I can't help myself from tapping quietly in time and smiling contentedly at Charlap's phrasings. Just the right amount of energy and refinement for the cocktail hour and dinner. Pour yourselves some 'tinis, do some fine dining and enjoy. Cheers and Bon Appetit!

1 In the Still of the Night
2 Dream
3 The Man That Got Away
4 Blue Skies
5 Where Have You Been?
6 Where or When
7 On a Slow Boat to China
8 One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)
9 I'll Never Go There Anymore
10 Lorelei
11 It Was Written in the Stars

I don't know how I missed Charlap. It is true, as some have remarked, that he is reminiscent of Tommy Flanagan--expecially in terms of touch and the very, very thoughtful way he plays (compare Charlap's ballads here with something like "Lady Be Good" on Flanagan's tribute to Ella album from a few years back). I can also understand the reference to Bill Evans; but Charlap doesn't have that sometimes off-putting (to me, at least) Evans murkiness and obscurity in this playing. Beyond that, I've rarely heard a piano in such total touch with the bass and drums. This is a made-in-heaven trio I'm definitely going to pursue.

This CD has been test played to ensure you get what you pay for. No surprises here. All come with jewel case, liner booklet and the CD disc itself.

Check out my other CD's and LP's on auction or classifieds in Audiogon. I combine shipping to lower costs. If you buy 5 or more CD's or LP's mix or match at asking price, I pay the shipping in the Continetal U.S.

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