Bulgarian pianist Milcho Leviev came to my attention about 20 years ago via the Los Angeles record label MA Recordings, a high-end label. I was floored by the quality of his playing, and wondered why he didn’t receive more attention in the US than he has. Bassist Dave Holland needs little introduction, as he has a flood of crucial records on labels like ECM Records.
Piano
Kim Kashkashian & Keith Jarrett – J.S. Bach: Sonata For Viola Da Gamba And Harpsichord No.3 In G Minor, BWV 1029 – 2. Adagio
Two of the gems of the ECM Records talent roster, violinist Kim Kashkashian and pianist Keith Jarrett, take on Johann Sebastian Bach’s piece for viola da gamba and harpsichord.
[Music] Carla Bley & Charlie Haden – The Ballad of The Fallen
Pianist Carla Bley continues to make gorgeous music. We lost Charlie Haden not too long ago. The album, bearing the same name, was named the Best Album in Down Beat Magazine’s Critic’s Poll.
[Music] Philip Glass – The Kiss
A simple, rhythmic, filmic, beautiful melody. A great one by Philip Glass.
[Music] Fats Waller – By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1942)
Masterful romantic music, courtesy of Fats Waller and my niece, who has apparently fallen in love with this track.
[Article] Nina Simone Documentarian Reveals Singer’s Shockingly Violent Temper
Nina Simone was always worth celebrating as a wonderful musician. She was also, unfortunately, a bit of a monster to her daughter. What Happened, Miss Simone?, will show a balanced view of her public and private persona.
[Video] Keith Jarrett Trio – Here’s That Rainy Day (Rare)
Something melancholy from Keith Jarrett seems appropriate after hearing about the loss of a good friend yesterday afternoon.
[Music] Nat ‘King’ Cole, En Español
From Wikipedia:
I started out to become a jazz pianist; in the meantime I started singing and I sang the way I felt and that’s just the way it came out.
— Nat ‘King’ Cole, Voice of America interview
Few remember Nat ‘King’ Cole’s incredible piano playing abilities, but they certainly never seem to forget a his smooth, baritone voice, which handled languages outside of his native English with ease.
NPR dedicates a radio program to one of the smoothest voices jazz ever produced here.
[Video] Mal Waldron Plays Erik Satie – Desespoir Agreable
Erik Satie is beautifully interpreted here by Mal Waldron’s trio, which includes him on piano, joined by Reggie Workman on bass and Ed Blackwell playing drums.
[Video] Valentyn Silvestrov – Intermezzo
Pianist Peter Bannister interprets the work of Ukrainian composer Valentyn Silvestrov.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 