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| Full Review --LOVE NOTES |
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| SEMJA Update, November 1997 |
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(Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association)
Recent Recordings By Area Musicians
By Piotr Michalowski
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 Whenever there is talk of the Detroit piano
tradition, the name of Bess Bonnier is mentioned alongside those of Tommy
Flanagan, Barry Harris, Hank Jones and the other splendid
modern jazz pianists from the Motor City. Detroiters appreciate her talent
well, but others have known her mainly by reputation. She has released some
good long playing records on her own label, but many of her fans no longer
own a turntable. Bonnier has been present on compact discs by Jack Brokensha
and others, but lovers of her playing have long been waiting for one under
her own name. |
Love Notes (Noteworks Records) was well worth the wait. For this session Bonnier teamed up
with bassist Paul Keller, who brought along his teammates Cary
Kocher on vibraphone, and Pete Siers on drums. He also contributed
many of the arrangements and co-produced the whole affair. Ms Bonnier returned
the favor by composing "All of Paul," a fine tribute that features
the strong playing of the Ann Arbor bassist.
This is a well programmed CD with flawless playing
by all concerned, a tremendous variety of tunes, including standards such
as "All the Things You Are" and originals by the leader. Her unaccompanied,
delicate rendition of "Spring is Here" contrasts nicely with the
strong ensemble swing on Clifford Brown's classic "Joy Spring,"
which is cleverly arranged with solos borrowed from another bop classic,
"Confirmation." This is a fine set from a group of master musicians
at the top of their form.
Reprinted from SEMJA Update
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