Bill Charlap Live At The Village Vanguard CD

Releasing a LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD album might seem like an attempt at 'greatness by association,' a wish to be filed alongside same-titled albums by the likes of John Coltrane and Bill Evans, but the Bill Charlap Trio doesn't need to rely on marketing gimmicks. The music on this release stands on its own; in fact, it even lives up to the legacy associated with the legendary New York club.

Flanked by drummer Kenny Washington and bassist Peter Washington, Charlap proves he is one of the most tasteful and accomplished pianist on the contemporary jazz scene. The music rarely ranges left of center-- the sensibility is staunchly traditional, attuned to white-hot post-bop and ballads--but within that framework Charlap and company never miss a step. His dazzling takes on standards like "Autumn in New York" and "The Lady is a Tramp," and lesser known but no less excellent tunes like Gerry Mulligan's "Rocker" are proof positive.

Bill Charlap: Bill Charlap; Peter Washington (bass guitar); Kenny Washington.

Personnel: Bill Charlap (piano); Kenneth Washington, Kenny Washington (drums).

Audio Mixer: Joel Moss .

Recording information: The Village Vanguard, New York, NY (09/2003); Village Vanguard, New York, NY (09/2003).

Editor: Joel Moss .

Photographer: Donald Dietz.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Bill Charlap; Kenny Washington; Peter Washington.

Arrangers: Bill Charlap; Dick Hyman; Gerry Mulligan; Richard Rodney Bennett.JazzTimes (p.124) - "Charlap likes to slow some songs down until they float, out of time, and he can wonder over them. They are unabashed romanticism arrayed upon erudite musical frameworks."