Search - John Hicks :: Something to Live for

John Hicks
Something to Live for
Genres: Jazz, Pop

Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
1. Something To Live For
2. Daydream
3. Medley: Lotus/Blossom
4. Blood Count
5. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
6. Chelsea Bridge
7. Lush Life
8. Ummg
9. Minor Blues
10. Passion Flower
11. Satin Doll
12. Summary

CD Details

All Artists: John Hicks
Title: Something to Live for
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: HighNote Records
Original Release Date: 9/29/1998
Re-Release Date: 10/20/1998
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 632375701925

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Sturdy jazz pianist John Hicks gives assertively accessible readings to an album's worth of Billy Strayhorn's gems on this fine trio recording. From the very well known--"Satin Doll" and "Lush Life"--to the more obscure--"Ummg," "Summary," and "Blood Count"--Hicks reveals the inner workings of Strayhorn's intricately haunted world. Aided and abetted by the understated prodding of Dwayne Dolphin on bass and Cecil Brooks III on drums, Hicks's straightforward, introspective renditions showcase the brilliance and timelessness of Strayhorn's jazz subtlety. If we think of Strayhorn's songs as the singer, Hicks effectively plays the role of an extremely supportive sideman--telling us more about the songs than about himself. This mature approach speaks volumes about John Hicks and even more about his respect for Billy Strayhorn's artistry. --Wally Shoup

CD Reviews

Something to lsiten to

numnutz | Bayonne, New Jersey United States | 10/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Hicks and his trio have released a number of CD's of the music of jazz artist with links to Pittsburgh. All are uniformly excellent, however, the Stryhorn set reaches into what is probably the best konw song book of the series and not so much re-interperts the songs but opens them up in a way that only a true master can. This trio provides a new apprecation of these songs without seperating them from their history."

Jazz Piano At Its Finest

J. Rich | 03/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Something To Live For: A Billy Strayhorn Songbook," was released on Highnote Records in 1998 and is probably one of the best albums pianist John Hicks has recorded. Hicks, who was a criminally underrated jazz pianist, takes us on a remarkable journey with these Billy Strayhorn compositions. He clearly displays his touch and sensitivity on piano. He played with such an emotional and technical prowess that it's just amazing he wasn't as well known as he was.

The music, as with anything, has to speak for itself. There are only a couple of words that can sum this recording up: beautiful, lyrical, swinging, and sophisticated. Hicks is accompanied by two very fine musicians: Dwayne Dolphin on bass and Cecil Brooks III. Both of these musicians provide the right amount of support and show they are flexible enough to take the music into different areas.

If you really enjoy jazz piano trio, then pick this one up. Highly recommended."