Stride Piano Duets
B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 07/17/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A fine album of two piano duets by two wonderful European stride pianists. Recorded in 1989, Louis Mazetier and Francois Rilhac storm through a range of standards and stride showpieces. Like the Hyman - Wellstood duets (long overdue for CD release) or the Hyman - Sutton collaborations, the two pianists demonstrate an excellent understanding of each other Each plays a solo - Mazetier's is the original "Echoes of Carolina", a tribute to James P. Johnson, while Rilhac plays a Tatum - influenced "Love Will Find a Way". On three tracks they are joined by the excellent French clarinetist Alain Marquet. Rilhac tragically committed suicide in 1992. Mazetier is playing better than ever, and can be heard on a range of European solo and duet CDs as well as on the series of "Paris Washboard" CDs on Stomp Off. This CD is hard to find, but is well worth the effort. Let's hope that Rilhac's other solo recordings are made available on CD soon."
Rare Excellence, a Legacy of Jazz
Dodd | MA USA | 12/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Few people ever, and only 8-10 in the world today can play Stride Piano. It's a simply amazing form of Jazz. Two players on one CD is difficult to avoid from being a train wreck, given the velocity and energy of most tunes. Louis and Francois, close friends and musical soulmates, complement each other so well. It's a pitty Francois left this world at such a young age."