There are too many jazz performers who fall into the category of best-kept secrets. These are outstanding performers who, for any number of reasons, never gain the public attention they deserve, even though they have reaped critical acclaim. Such is the case with pianist
Jack Reilly. A performer, composer, author, and educator,
Reilly has been honing his craft for more than 30 years.
Tributes, one of his many albums, was recorded in 1976 and originally released by Carousel. This reissue has six selections added. Except for "Someone to Watch Over Me," all the material was composed by
Reilly to honor a particular performer, most from jazz and the world of classical music, including
Leonard Bernstein, Anton Webern, and Arnold Schoenberg (and some important ladies in his life). But it does not follow that a jazz person will be remembered by totally jazz-oriented music or classical performers by a classical piece. Thus,
Ben Webster is given his due with "Prelude/ Intermezzo/Chorale," during which
Reilly segues from a classical to a jazz mode in a most engaging manner. Similarly, the intense impressionism of
John Coltrane is captured with "Devenir."
Reilly's musical vignettes encapsulate the artistry or personality of the individual being honored. Thus "Lieberman's" ("Lover Man"?) catches the exuberant personality of
Zoot Sims as well as the tenor man's ability to play just about any form of jazz in any setting. Some of the references aren't as subtle. The tribute to
Frédéric Chopin is simply titled "Chopineske." One of the pleasures in this album is to forecast how
Reilly will treat each of the artists he has selected to praise musically.
Reilly's playing is energetic without becoming overpowering, technically skillful without becoming showy, and always melodious. This is a fine album. ~ Dave Nathan