Search - Tardo Hammer :: Hammer Time

Hammer is a master of the bebop genre.

10/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tardo Hammer, long considered the finest bebop pianoman in and around New York City, has at long last given us "HAMMER TIME". This unique collection offers compositions by Bud Powell, Monk, and Hammer himself amoung others. Hammer, a native New Yorker, can be seen around the clubs, restaurants, and museums of the city not simply honing his prodigous skills, but truly sharing his music with his audience. Live, he gives his music a certain lightness and warmth, joyfulness and soul, all of which is heroically captured on this disc. The duo of Dennis Irwin on bass, and Leroy Williams on drums provide the perfect backdrop for Hammer's lyrical style. With the exception of the somewhat overused title, this is a near flawless effort by an undisputed master. On my periodic forays into New York City from small town Iowa, I have always made it a point to check local listings for Hammer's whereabouts. I'm pleased to report that he is readily found in my CD player."