Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 10/10/2006
Eddie Diehl has long been respected among his fellow
jazz musicians, but finally makes his recording debut as a leader with on one of the first CDs issued by a new label,
Lineage. It's quite a plus to have a co-leader like veteran pianist
Hank Jones, along with having bassist
John Webber and drummer
Mickey Roker. While
Diehl has a fluid touch on his instrument, he seems just as happy featuring his bandmates as himself. While the two
standards from the
Rodgers & Hart songbook are enjoyable, the interpretations of less-frequently heard works like the
bop gem
"Swedish Schnapps," Oscar Pettiford's intricate
blues "Swinging Till the Girls Come Home," and
Ellington sideman
Harold Ousley's gently swinging
"Aquarian Melody" are the tracks that command one's attention.
Diehl also contributed a pair
of choice originals. The informal air of this recording session almost make it sound like a gathering of old friends playing late at night for their own amusement; hopefully,
Eddie Diehl won't have to wait long for an opportunity to lead another record date.
~Ken Dryden, All Music Guide