Mike LeDonne Then And Now CD

Pianist Mike LeDonne expands to a quintet and features mostly original material on his second Double-Time release. The players represent the cream of New York's neo-bop rat pack: tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trumpeter Jim Rotondi, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. LeDonne's compositions generally draw upon sounds from decades past. "Trane Song," for instance, is loosely based on Coltrane's "Crescent"; "Insight" is strongly reminiscent of "Seven Steps to Heaven"; "Seeds" and the title track feature the kind of charging, hard bop frontline that Freddie Hubbard used to favor on his '60s Blue Note albums. Interestingly, LeDonne's most original move is his mid-tempo 6/4 arrangement of Herbie Hancock's "Sorceror," a tune usually played in a blistering four. More straightforward but equally virtuosic is LeDonne's trio rendition of "'Round Midnight." ~ David R. Adler

adventurous jazz pianist teams up with an all-star cast, inc. Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, Peter Washington & Joe Farnsworth, playing all originals, except one composition by Herbie Hancock & one by Thelonious Monk

Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York on December 21 & 22, 1998. Includes liner notes by Bill Charlap.

Personnel: Mike LeDonne (piano); Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); Jim Rotondi (trumpet).

Audio Mixers: Michael McDonald ; Mike LeDonne.

Liner Note Author: Bill Charlap.

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY (12/21/1998/12/22/1998).

Photographer: Jimmy Katz.

Personnel: Mike LeDonne (piano); Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); Jim Rotondi (trumpet); Peter Washington (bass); Joe Farnsworth (drums).