The talented young pianist Jacky Terrasson and his trio (with bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Leon Parker) find something new to say on a few standards (including a rare up-tempo version of "For Sentimental Reasons") and introduce five of Terrasson's originals. Although he has does not have an original style yet, Terrasson displays a great deal of potential for the future. Highlights include "I Should Care," "Just One of Those Things," and a medley of his "Reach" with "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Scott Yanow Tracklist & Credits :
18.1.24
THE JACKY TERRASSON JAZZ TRIO WITH LEON PARKER & UGONNA OKEGWO — Lover Man (1993-1999) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless
Jacky Terrasson finds new routes into familiar compositions on these 1993 sessions for the Japanese Venus label. Well accompanied by bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Leon Parker, the pianist dives head first into a rousing, if unusual version of Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee," initially kicking off an explosive vamp to play against its theme, though he eventually discards the vamp in favor of a more conventional, though thoroughly post-bop approach to this bop classic. Likewise, Terrasson introduces Miles Davis with a good bit of drama, even if he is more direct in his improvised introduction than Bill Evans was in his final years. The pianist's arrangement of Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" is particularly haunting, with his surprising chords in the bassline, then eases up a bit as he gets into a funky mood. Terrasson has just as much fun with standards like "Broadway" and "Love for Sale," while also proving himself as a promising composer with two strong originals. Ken Dryden Tracklist & Credits :
3.10.18
JACKY TERRASSON — A Paris ... (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
Another highlight is Terrasson resuscitating his funk version of Cole Porter's "I Love Paris," the only song by an American writer and the very one that led off Terrasson's 1994 debut album. Bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Leon Parker, Terrasson's trio mates from his first three albums, both return to play on the Porter track, as well as the opening Piaf number "Plaisir d'Amour" and an exquisite reading of Jacques Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas." The latter briefly features Gregoire Maret on harmonica, who played on What It Is. Several rather short pieces are grouped right around the middle of the album, giving that part of the program a collage-like feel that can seem a bit superficial. That aside, Terrasson has pulled off something rare: a concept album that succeeds on a variety of creative levels. In the process, he's given exposure to several excellent European musicians, not to mention some beautiful French music that American audiences ought to hear. David R. Adler
Tracklist :
1 Plaisir d'Amour 3:10
Public Domain / Traditional
2 Les Chemins de l'Amour 4:24
Francis Poulenc
3 Jeux Interdits 6:27
N. Yepes / Narciso Yepes
4 A Paris 8:52
Francis Lemarque
5 I Love Paris in the Springtime 3:10
Cole Porter
6 Que Reste-T'il de Nos Amours? 4:20
Charles Trénet
7 Ne Me Quitte Pas 4:43
Jacques Brel
8 La Vie en Rose 3:11
Guglielmi Luis Guglielmo
9 Nantes 2:00
10 La Marseillaise 3:16
11 Rue des Lombards 1:08
Terreon Gully / Jacky Terrasson / Rémi Vignolo
12 L' Aigle Noir 3:22
Barbara
13 I Love You More 6:22
Jacky Terrasson
14 Métro 1:31
Jacky Terrasson
Credits
Bass – Rémi Vignolo, Ugonna Okegwo
Drums – Leon Parker, Terreon Gully
Guitar – Bireli Lagrene
Harmonica – Grégoire Maret
Marimba – Stefon Harris
Percussion – Minino Garay
Piano, Producer – Jacky Terrasson
Saxophone – Stefano di Battista
+ last month
EDDIE HARRIS — The Last Concert (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
Unless something unauthorized turns up, this appears to be Eddie Harris' last recording. The concert was taped in Europe -- where Harris...