Shearing, George
Mack Avenue, 2004, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 10.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Swing
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: The title of the session Like Fine Wine is an appropriate description of what transpires. Pianist George Shearing takes what may be overworked standards and performs arrangements that are mellow and intriguing while maintaining the identity of the original tunes. He makes them as appreciated as the originals if not more. George adds a soft veiling to each of the songs that imparts his signature while weaving in guitarist Reg Schwager and bassist Neal Swainson. Their interactions are dynamic and very complementary, really swinging on “Tricrotism”. Throughout the session George takes somewhat unusual approaches that result in positive results.
