egroj world: Toshiko Akiyoshi Trio • Toshiko Plays Billy Strayhorn

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Toshiko Akiyoshi Trio • Toshiko Plays Billy Strayhorn

Review by Scott Yanow
One of pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi's infrequent trio dates (she was becoming quite well-known during the era as an arranger and big bandleader), this out-of-print but quite rewarding album features Akiyoshi interpreting eight Billy Strayhorn compositions. Five songs feature her joined by bassist John Heard and drummer Peter Donald, while the remaining three tunes utilize bassist Bob Daugherty and drummer Jeff Hamilton. Highlights of the high-quality set include "Take the 'A' Train," "Rain Check" and "Intimacy of the Blues." Akiyoshi plays throughout in superior form, making one wish that the music on this excellent LP were available on CD.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/tribute-to-billy-strayhorn-mw0000905246

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Reseña de Scott Yanow
Una de las poco frecuentes citas en trío de la pianista Toshiko Akiyoshi (se estaba haciendo bastante conocida durante la época como arreglista y directora de big band), este álbum agotado pero bastante gratificante presenta a Akiyoshi interpretando ocho composiciones de Billy Strayhorn. En cinco canciones la acompañan el bajista John Heard y el batería Peter Donald, mientras que en las tres restantes intervienen el bajista Bob Daugherty y el batería Jeff Hamilton. Lo más destacado de este conjunto de alta calidad incluye «Take the “A” Train», «Rain Check» e «Intimacy of the Blues». Akiyoshi toca en una forma superior, haciendo que uno desee que la música de este excelente LP estuviera disponible en CD.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/tribute-to-billy-strayhorn-mw0000905246

Tracks:
1 - Take The "A" Train - 4:53
2 - Day Dream - 2:59
3 - Rain Check - 5:28
4 - Lotus Blossom - 3:54
5 - Charpoy - 5:22
6 - Lush Life - 3:52
7 - Chelsea Bridge - 4:32
8 - Intimacy Of The Blues - 6:26

Credits:
    Bass – Bob Daugherty (tracks: 3, 8), John Heard (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
    Composed By – Billy Strayhorn
    Composed By [With] – Duke Ellington (tracks: 2)
    Coordinator [Album] – Seiji Fueki
    Coordinator [Art] – Toshinori Goshono
    Design [Original] – Leo Bliok
    Drums – Jeff Hamilton (tracks: 3, 8), Peter Donald (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
    Engineer – James Mooney
    Liner Notes – Nat Hentoff
    Photography By – Joe Shimada
    Piano – Toshiko Akiyoshi
    Producer – Toshiko Akiyoshi

Recorded on April 3, 4 & 5, 1978 at Sage & Sound Recording Studio, Hollywood, California.

Label:    Discomate – DSP-5011
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album
Country:    Japan
Released:    1978
Genre:    Jazz
https://www.discogs.com/release/7265771-Toshiko-Akiyoshi-Trio-Toshiko-Plays-Billy-Strayhorn