Search - Marian Mcpartland, Milt Hinton :: Piano Jazz

Delightful lovefest

10/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the best installments of "Piano Jazz" because of the deep mutual musical respect between Marian and Milt. With the possible exception of Ray Brown, Milt appeared on more records than any other jazz musician, yet his role as bassist limited his opportunities to occupy the spotlight. So this recording provides the listener with insight into an important if largely unheralded musician (check out Milt's two autobiographical books: "Bass Line" and "Over Time" if you want know more). On this disk, Milt tells his life story in song in "Milt's Rap." He demonstrates his famous slap bass technique on "Joshua." The two players team up to fine effect on "All the Things You Are" (which includes the "fake fugues" that Marian incorporates into her arrangement of this tune) and "My One and Only Love." Milt was 81 at the time of this appearance on the show and adapted to his old age with wit and wisdom. It's the disk I play when I want to remember the great Milt Hinton, who died in December 2000 at age 90."