Bob Albanese: Midnight Sun

Track

Midnight Sun

Group

Bob Albanese Trio with Ira Sullivan

CD

One Way/Detour (Zoho ZM200905)

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Musicians:

Bob Albanese (piano), Ira Sullivan (soprano sax), Tom Kennedy (bass), Willard Dyson (drums).

Composed by Lionel Hampton and Sonny Burke

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Recorded: Jupiter, Florida, January 27 or 28, 2008

Albumcoverbobalbaneseoneway

Rating: 85/100 (learn more)

Pianist Bob Albanese duets with saxophonist Ira Sullivan (here playing soprano) on a beautiful version of the Lionel Hampton and Sonny Burke ballad "Midnight Sun." Albanese's day gig is as the accompanist for singer/dance Ben Vereen. He must be a good one, if his sensitive and invariably tasteful backing of Sullivan is any indication. Of course, he's not merely an accompanist here, but an equal partner. He and Sullivan connect remarkably well. Sullivan is one of those great jazz musicians who've flown largely under the radar. Living in Florida hasn’t helped raise his profile, but it hasn’t hurt his playing. He's still the fiery, inventive, and uncompromising bebopper he was when teaming for a series of fine albums with trumpeter Red Rodney in the '80s. This isn't astoundingly original, but it's well-crafted and quite moving in its way.

Reviewer: Chris Kelsey

Tags:

  • 1 DIDI // Mar 11, 2009 at 01:28 AM
    Just heard this moving piece of oxy-moronic jazz. Ira has never been better and Albanese and his band are moving in many ways. The quartet is as tight as a trojan. Better listening? Listen to it again.
  • 2 Marc Berner // Mar 11, 2009 at 02:36 AM
    Bob and Ira sound beautiful together. P.S. Ira doesn't only play in Florida!