Search - Al Haig :: Trio & Sextet

Great intro to the forgotten bebop piano master

rash67 | USA | 12/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A fine collection of Al Haig, bebop's greatest painist, from the late '40's and mid 50's, (just before he vanished). Bud Powell called him the "perfect pianist". Half of the CD is Haig with a trio and half behind the more extroverted Stan Getz and Wardell Gray.Great tunes great melodies, Haig speeds ahead of Getz hyperfast bebop, but also sounds warmly lyrical when Stan (and Wardell) slow things down. Haig is an amazing technician who made the most difficult playing seem effortless. The Getz performances are duplicated under Getz name on many CD's.The CD kicks off with a amazing version of Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things" in trio which showcases his astonding technique in hyperdrive. The best selection is perhaps the soulful rendition of "'Round Midnight".

As wonderful as Al Haig's playing is on this album is, after you have this one, be sure to seek out harder to find "Esoteric" and "Invitation" for even more spectacular performances."