Bob Mover Something To Live For: A Billy Strayhorn Songbook CD

John Hicks and Billy Strayhorn prove to be an ideal match on this outstanding High Note release, Something to Live For: A Billy Strayhorn Songbook. For years Hicks has enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest and most versatile pianists in New York. Known mostly as an explosive, adventurous player in the mode of McCoy Tyner (check 1990s Power Trio with Elvin Jones and Cecil McBee), he shows his softer side here, tackling the lush romanticism of Strayhorn's timeless compositions with an appropriately light touch and sense of nuance. ~ Joel Roberts

Live Recording

Recorded at Audiomation Studio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 17, 1997. Includes liner notes by Bob Karlovits.

Personnel: John Hicks (piano); Cecil Brooks III (drums).

Recording information: Audiomation Studio, Pittsburgh, PA (06/17/1997).

Photographers: Jimmy Bruch; R. Andrew Lepley.

Personnel: John Hicks (piano); Dwayne Dolphin (bass); Cecil Brooks III (drums).

JazzTimes (12/99, p.171) - "...a fine stroll through familiar Strayhorn terrain that pays substantial dividends. The gems include the heavy 'Blood Count'...'Daydream,' 'Chelsea Bridge,' the exquisite 'A Flower is a Lovesome Thing'..."