Denny Zeitlin: They Can't Take That Away From Me
Track
They Can’t Take That Away From Me
Artist
Denny Zeitlin (piano)
CD
As Long As There’s Music (32 Jazz 32218)
Musicians:
Denny Zeitlin (piano), Buster Williams (bass), Al Foster (drums).
Composed by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
.Recorded: New York, December 1997
Rating: 94/100 (learn more)
This album marks Denny Zeitlin’s first time playing with Buster Williams (b. 1942) and Al Foster (b. 1944). The results were so fruitful that Williams in particular has continued to work with Zeitlin for more than a decade.
Zeitlin’s approach to standards typically involves reharmonization, and such is the case here. His interpretation of this Gershwin evergreen, though, goes beyond that. After playing the theme with Zeitlin, Williams and Foster lay out while the pianist plays a chorus that makes fleeting references to both stride and Art Tatum. The tempo then doubles, and the three leap into a double-time improvisation worthy of Bud Powell at his best.
All of this is done without a trace of pastiche. Zeitlin has always been an eclectic, and that quality has been borne out most of all in his approach to repertoire. Here he gives us a welcome insight into his pianistic roots.
Reviewer: Bill Kirchner
Tags: 1990s jazz · gershwin covers · piano · they can't take that away from me
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