Search - Joe Sullivan :: Piano Solo

Fine Late Sullivan

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 10/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a valuable release of rare solo material from late in Joe Sullivan's career. The fist seven tracks are live airshots from Club Hangover in San Francisco recorded between 1953 - 55, and find Sullivan in fine form. On occasion there is uncredited support by bass and drums, largely unnecessary for a player with Sullivan's powerful left hand.The remainder of the material, the last recordings that Sullivan made, were recorded by the jazz critic Richard Hadlock in 1963, by which time Sullivan was ill and largely forgotten. Three tracks come from a private session, whilst the remainder were recorded from live perfomances at the Trident Club, again in San Francisco. A handful of mistakes apart, Sullivan was in excellent form. Listen, for example, to the characteristically percussive way that he tears through "I've Gound a New Baby", or the deeply felt "Blues for McCoys". The programme, a mixture of standards and Sullivan originals, is a varied and interesting one, and displays Sullivan's great talent to good effect.The 1963 solos were issued in the 1980s on an LP by the short-lived Pumpkin label. It is wonderful to have them available again. Storyville is to be commended for this release. It is a CD that is self - recommending to fans of Sullivan. All lovers of mainstream jazz piano should investigate this album."