Dick Hyman

Dick Hyman has found a kindred spirit in Louis Mazetier, a European pianist with an equal love of many different styles of jazz, as well as a partner with keen ears who is equally competent whether serving as a soloist or accompanist in a duo piano setting. This beautifully recorded concert at Alte Kirche Boswil in Switzerland is mostly a duo piano date, though there are solo features for each musician. The program ranges from infrequently performed songs from the early days of jazz, such as "Sweetie Dear," to obscure gems like Willard Robison's "'Tain't So, Honey, 'Tain't So" and "I'm a Little Blackbird Looking for a Bluebird," all of which display the musical ESP and inventiveness of the two pianists. But they also explore stride (Luckey Roberts' "Pork and Beans," a solo by Mazetier), bop (playful and sly takes of Tadd Dameron's "Good Bait" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Groovin' High"), and favorites of the swing era like "I'm Coming Virginia," which is a subtly played solo by Hyman. They seem at their most playful digging into Duke Ellington's strutting "Dancers in Love." This Swiss CD issued by Jazz Connaisseur is well worth tracking down by jazz piano fans. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide