Search - Tony Caramia :: Nimble Fingered Gentleman

Tony Caramia and "Nimble Fingered Gentleman" real treasures

L. Kriner | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 05/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Billy Mayerl's music isn't as well-known in the US as it is in the UK, but for decades Mayerl, known to many as the "Jazz Master," ruled the popular piano world in Britain. His music is always inventive, technically and harmonically brilliant, and forever catchy and rhythmically exciting... which is why it's so hard to get right. Popular piano or not, this music takes guts as a musician, and will bust a knuckle or two (as well as an eardrum) if you're not careful. Tony Caramia, an exquisite musician in everything he touches, expertly balances virtuousity with real musicality and renders terrific performances, whether you're rollicking along to "Railroad Rhythm" or wading in "Shallow Waters." I couldn't recommend this CD or him more highly. If you love good piano music, you owe this one to yourself. It's a rare treat, and a wonderful tribute to Billy Mayerl."

Pretty good - if you've never heard Billy Mayerl before

05/10/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Caramia's playing is pretty good, but a bit too straight and academic. If you want to hear the real thing, look for reissues (or original 78s) of Billy Mayerl, Rae Da Costa, Frank Banta, Willie Eckstein or Zez Confrey. For for a terrific contemporary pianist playing in the novelty-syncopated idiom, listen to CDs by Alex Hassan."