Marian McPartland Just Friends CD

Personnel: Marian McPartland, Geri Allen, Dave Brubeck, Tommy Flanagan, Gene Harris, Renee Rosnes, George Shearing (piano).
Recorded at Avatar Studios and Sound On Sound, New York, New York between September 4, 1997 and January 26, 1998. Includes liner notes by Terry Teachout.
Some jazz fans casually dismiss duo piano performances as mere novelties that all too often result in train wrecks. With hundreds of Piano Jazz sessions and a few additional multiple piano releases to her credit, plus an amazing ability to complement the style of any musical partner, Marian McPartland should have long since destroyed this musical myth. She's joined by six different pianists on this delightful date, who she has considered among her favorite Piano Jazz guests; however, these recordings were made specifically for Concord. Tommy Flanagan joins her for a joyous run through "Jeepers Creeper" and a lyrical take of "I've Got a Crush on You." Renee Rosnes sits in for a swinging version of "Some Time Ago" and a bossa nova treatment of "It's You or No One," while Geri Allen and McPartland revive the forgotten chestnut "Lullaby of the Leaves" and also create an eerie duo improvisation, "Chrysalis." George Shearing and McPartland amuse themselves with a jaunty arrangement of the title track, then play Shearing's chart of McPartland's "Twilight World." But the cream of the duets is shared with old friend Dave Brubeck. Brubeck actually composed "Marian McPartland" on the way to his second Piano Jazz appearance; their wonderful improvisations around this catchy upbeat theme find both of them at the top of their game. McPartland wraps the CD alone with the Dixieland standard "When the Saints Go Marching In," though her relaxed approach serves as an emotional elegy to her late husband Jimmy. Jazz piano just doesn't get any better than this. ~ Ken Dryden
Marian McPartland can be many different pianists, as evidenced by her empathetic playing with the many pianists whom she has duetted on her NPR show, Piano Jazz. The piano duets on this album aren't from the show; instead McPartland invited some of her favorite duet partners to celebrate her 80th birthday by taking part in this recording. When she plays with Tommy Flanagan she adopts his subtle, swinging touch and wit. With Renee Rosnes there is a harder edge, both women going for the full, physical use of the keyboard. "Just Friends" with George Shearing is a trip to a swank bistro, with an elegant stride style alternately employed by both pianists.
Shearing/McPartland's version of the latter's own "Twilight World" shows her progressive side, as does her free improvisation "Chrysalis," with Geri Allen. These two women's shared language includes plucked and strummed piano strings, modern harmonies, and a dramatic use of silence and mysterious textures. Dave Brubeck's "Marian McPartland", which he and the song's inspiration perform, begins with a tender, reflective intro before swinging into an inspired exchange of solo ideas over a distinctly Brubeck-esque set of changes.