Judy Carmichael High On Fats And Other Stuff CD

Judy Carmichael has long been a throwback to pre-bop times. One of the very few stride pianists of her generation (she was in her mid-40s when this recording was made), Carmichael plays in a style reminiscent at times of Fats Waller and James P. Johnson, but with her own personal voice. Even though her trio set with Mike Hashim (who doubles on soprano and alto) and guitarist Chris Flory is sort of a tribute to Waller, only two of his compositions are performed ("Gladyse" and "I've Got a Feelin' I'm Falling"), and most of the other songs do not have any direct connection to Fats. However, the joy of Waller's music is very much present, along with some hard-driving swing. The project was a bit unusual, because as Carmichael made the CD, she was also recording for a reproducing piano system (a modern-day equivalent of a player piano). However, the added pressure of making two recordings at once is absent. Among the many highlights of the delightful set are "Riverboat Shuffle," "Airmail Special," "Dinah" and two versions of "A Smo-o-ooth One." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Jazz pianist Judy Carmichael, whom critics have called "astounding, flawless and captivating" (New York Times), is one of the leading interpreters of classic jazz piano. Ms. Carmichael has written two books on stride piano and numerous articles on the subject of jazz. She has received a number of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Grammy nomination, and toured extensively throughout the world. She has appeared frequently on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion, has been featured on National Public Radio's Morning Edition, CBS Sunday Morning, and Entertainment Tonight. Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired is produced in association with Steinway & Sons."Judy Carmichael's music accomplishes what all great art should - feelings of joy, delight, hope and the knowledge that what you are experiencing is very real and honest. Anyone who wants some real theatre should go to one of her concerts - lots of fun." F. Murray Abraham"Judy Carmichael's witty, ebullient pianism recalls us to the joy of spirit in classical jazz. More power to her!" E.L. Doctorow"How can this slender and elegant woman play with the strength of a truck driver and the energy of a Tom cat - some mysteries are meant not to be revealed." Milton Glaser"Judy Carmichael is a great entertainer. Her playing is masterly and her linking material show her to be a raconteur in the Ustinov mold." Jonathan James Moore, BBC Radio"...is an exhilarating positive pianist with a virtually flawless technique." The New York Times

Recording information: 05/19/1997-05/20/1997.