Valerie Capers was a classical pianist before she came to jazz music. But the classical background with its very structured, "non-improvising" setting, has limited neither
Capers' credentials nor her skills as a jazz pianist. At the same time, she is not at all reluctant to take advantage of her classical training to enhance her interpretation of jazz music. Thus,
Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight" is played as a variation on a theme -- in bop, swing, classical sonata, and Latin modes. "Wagner Takes the 'A' Train" is a highlight of the album. The liner notes would have you believe that there is some relationship between
Capers' interpretation of
Billy Strayhorn's song to the 29 motifs of
Wagner's "Ring Cycle." But it comes off far less sophisticated and complicated than that. Rather, this is a hard-driving, swinging set with
Al Givens'
Ben Webster-like sax leading the way with
Capers. This is the
Ben Webster from the 1940s
Ellington Orchestra, not the breathy
Webster of later years.
Capers gives
Bobby Timmons' "Moanin'" a rousing rendering with a touch of blues. Of all the cuts, her own "Organum" is done classical style, complete with some very heavy cello-like bass bowing from
John Robinson and more than a few runs and arpeggios from
Capers.