GEORGE SHEARING
Ballad Essentials (Concord)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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George Shearing, a pianist blind from birth, is a master in the use of space, pauses, and the minimum of notes. His playing is highly inventive, imaginative, and expressive. Ballad Essentials, a recent release by Concord Records of music Shearing recorded from 1980 to 1990, is a wonderful place to start if you are unfamiliar with Shearing's approach to musical creation, or would like to fill a gap in your jazz collection. Shearing plays solo on seven of the twelve tunes, in a duo on three numbers, and in a trio on the remaining two.

The 82 year old Shearing first appeared on records before 1940, so the majority of his life has been spent as a professional musician. He has written several jazz classics, including perhaps one the most recorded standards in this genre - "Lullaby Of Birdland." However, Ballad Essentials reflects Shearing early influences, as most of the songs are from the swing era.

Shearing has an inventive way of interpreting ballads, turning time-worn songs into timeless classics. Listen to the way he plays "It Never Entered My Mind." Here is a number recorded countless times before, yet I sat transfixed as this master slowly poured his soul into each perfectly selected and played note.

I strongly recommend this CD for adherents of small group, piano-led jazz. Shearing coaxes such a beautiful sound out of his piano; the notes shimmer and slowly fade into the air. The man has distilled piano playing to its very essence.

Track List:

While We're Young; In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning; I Cover The Waterfront; Sweet And Lovely; Emily; For Every Man There's A Woman; It Never Entered My Mind; Angel Eyes; I Can't Get Started; Don't Explain; Prelude To A Kiss; Long Ago And Far Away.

© 2001 - Ron Saranich