Andy Milne had no intention of recording a solo piano CD focusing on typical standards, so he instead chose to mine the relatively untapped music popular with rock audiences of the 1970s and 1980s, with surprising results.
Milne is hardly the first jazz musician to record a work by
Sting, but his lyrical, pastoral setting of "Message in a Bottle" unveils its potential in a jazz setting.
Neil Young's work is a more startling choice, though
Milne's dramatic improvisation of "After the Gold Rush" may not be easily recognizable to
Young's fans, as his hints at its theme are fleeting.
Milne slows down "Don't Let It Bring You Down" and sticks closer to its roots, offering a stunning interpretation. The pianist's approach to the late reggae giant Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" frees the tune from its trademark rhythm, which broadens its appeal to listeners who never investigated the genre seriously. His tense setting of
Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'" incorporates an ominous vamp and signals a warning that there are clouds on the horizon.
Joni Mitchell's "The Circle Game" is another gem, cast as a reflective ballad suggesting a quiet day alone in the country.
Milne's three originals are also compelling performances, highlighted by his playful "The Metamorph." He closes the disc with a touching one-chorus arrangement of "Danny Boy" that proves there is plenty of new ground to be found in this popular old Irish air. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden