This import CD reissues long unavailable
At the Hickory House originally issued on a Capitol LP, featuring
Marian McPartland with bassist
Bill Crowand drummer
Joe Morello in what are supposedly live performances recorded during her long tenure leading the house trio at the Hickory House, but they are actually studio recordings. Unfortunately,
George Simon's liner notes and the composer credits (though most are easy to identify) are omitted as well from this likely bootleg. Following lively swinging takes of "I Hear Music" and "Tickle Toe," both an uncredited cellist and harpist are added to a mellow "Street of Dreams." A decidedly Latin take of "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" features
Morello's fine brushwork. "Lush Life" is early evidence of
McPartland's mastery of ballads. She also sparkles on the now infrequently heard standard "Moon Song." Although the rather strong hiss from the master tapes is distracting at times, fans of
Marian McPartland will want to add this highly recommended CD to their collections.