One of the top jazz parties, the March of Jazz, was inaugurated in 1994 by honoring bassist
Bob Haggart's 80th birthday. The focus of this compilation, however, is on three first-rate pianists who excel in any setting, though bass and drums are added on only five of the 13 tracks.
Derek Smith hasn't recorded as a leader nearly as often as either
Dick Hyman or the late
Ralph Sutton, but it isn't for lack of technique. He's joined by
Haggart and drummer Bobby Rosengarden for "Love for Sale," which begins with
Smith's dreamy introduction before the rhythm section kicks things up a notch.
Smith's duets with
Sutton include a memorable "Honeysuckle Rose" (incorporating the often omitted verse) and a lighthearted (but not lightweight) "Sunday."
Hyman, who has recorded entire albums of piano duets with each of his fellow ticklers, revives the oldie but goodie "Sleep" with
Smith, while he and
Sutton deliver a stride piano lover's delight with a dazzling "Somebody Stole My Gal."
Hyman improvises around
Bix Beiderbecke's "In a Mist," retaining the flavor of the original work while building upon it, even though most pianists opt to stick closer to the manuscript.
Sutton doesn't really need a rhythm section for "Alligator Crawl," but
Haggart and Rosengarden are discreet in their accompaniment.
Milt Hinton, nearing the end of his six-decade-long career as a performer, takes
Haggart's place for
Smith's fun-filled take of "The Jitterbug Waltz." Proceeds from the sale of this CD benefit a scholarship in memory of
Bob and Windy Haggart at the University of Miami; the music on this highly recommended CD should also kindle interest for many fans in attending future editions of the March of Jazz. ~ Ken Dryden