Matrix; Fred Hughes, piano
Judging from the songs chosen for this CD by pianist Fred Hughes, his mentors read like an all-star lineup of piano colleagues. So, we are treated to four titles by Chick Corea; two by Bill Evans; two by Herbie Hancock; and for good measure, toss in one each by Horace Silver and Dave Brubeck. And to complete the picture, add entries by none other than Gershwin, Bach, and Tchaikovsky. The trio is completed by Amy Shook, bass, and Frank Russo, drums. From the "greatest hits" list comes Herbie's "Dolphin Dance" and "Watermelon Man"; Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way"; George and Ira's "I Got Rhythm"; and Corea's brilliant "Matrix". My personal fave is "B Minor Waltz", a stunningly beautiful creation of the great Bill Evans. Hughes plays it all for keeps and never indulges in extraneous tomfoolery. His touch and overall concept are to be admired. Although he's an East Coaster, if he ever came out west, he's the kind of player I'd cue up to hear in person!
Shore Thing Records; 2016; appx. 68 min.
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