Hero of the 88 Keys

I installed my new computer tonight, with a much improved sound system (I was tired of working on the podcasts with a crappy pair of headphones that saturated every time a bassist hit a note...) In order to test the new sound system I went to Youtube and searched for Ray Brown, a request I'd never done. Not only are there dozens of videos, but there's a video of a piece I never knew had been filmed : the trio version of Summertime with Jeff Hamilton and Gene Harris recorded in '88 at the Fujitsu Concord Jazz Festival.

Actually, I should say Gene Harris' version of Summertime, not only because that's how Ray Brown introduces the tune, but because Gene Harris is on absolute bluesy fire on that track. In fact, it was his playing on this specific piece that made him one of my piano heroes. And there are many more out there, if you're willing to dig into his discography. This particular song and the concert that goes with it is available on CD under the title Bam Bam Bam, and here's me hoping it'll get a DVD release some day. In the meantime, whether you're a jazz or a blues fan, you cannot fail to enjoy this :

Comments

[Edu Calle]

WOW!!!!

My English isn't good enought to express how the video makes me feel.

Thank you very much Ben.

[marc]

I believe this CD is pretty expensive at Amazon since it's hard to find, but I downloaded it at e-music.com for next to nothing. Thanks for the clip, Ben. I'm spending all sorts of money 'cause of you ; ) (I try to do it through Amazon when possible via the links here.)