Chestnut, Cyrus
Koch, 2008, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 14.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Classic
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score:
O’s Notes: From the opening notes of “Hound Dog” we knew this would be a fun CD! Chestnut plays eleven of Elvis Pressley’s hits transposed in the light of jazz piano. Dacron Douglas (b) and Neal Smith (d) hold down the beats with Mark Gross adding sax on 2 tracks notably “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. Chestnut does a remarkable job of interpreting each tune and placing his groove into them. They swing on “It’s Now or Never” and “Graceland” before closing with a touch of gospel on “How Great Thou Art” – solo piano… certainly a different take on Elvis!
Publicist: Koch Jazz