Dick Hyman Plays Fats Waller

by Dick Hyman

Overview

Strange as it seems, pianist Dick Hyman was not present at the recording session that resulted in this CD. Months earlier, Hyman performed 15 Fats Waller songs on the Bosendorfer 2905E reproducing piano in New York. A computer floppy disc of the date was sent to California where it was recorded direct to CD. But more important than the technology involved is the music itself. Sometimes Hyman seems to take these pieces a little too seriously, treating "African Ripples" and "Viper's Drag" as if they were classical music but, to his credit, his treatment of the Waller compositions (mixing in the familiar with obscurities such as an enthusiastic "I'm Goin' To See My Ma" and a very complex version of "Bach Up To Me") does not attempt to copy Fats' style. A surprisingly uptempo version of "Stealin' Apples" and a thoughtful rendition of "Ain't Misbehavin'" are among the highpoints. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	12/17/1993
Label:	Reference Recordings
UPC:	0030911193324
Rank:	163635

Tracks

1. Bach Up to Me
2. Ain't Misbehavin'
3. Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
4. African Ripples
5. Honeysuckle Rose
6. Viper's Drag
7. Willow Tree
8. I'm Going to See My Ma
9. Stealin' Apples
10. I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling
11. Handful of Keys
12. My Fate Is in Your Hands
13. Jitterbug Waltz
14. Sweet Savannah Sue
15. Squeeze Me

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Dick Hyman   Primary Artist,Piano

Technical Credits

Steve Rickmon   Mastering Assistant
Fats Waller   Composer
Dick Hyman   Liner Notes
Richard Maltby, Jr.   Composer
Harry Brooks   Composer
Murray Horwitz   Composer
Harry Link   Composer
J. Tamblyn Henderson, Jr.   Producer,Liner Notes
Clarence Williams   Composer
Wayne Pope   Design,Graphic Design
Jeff Kaufman   Photography
Keith O. Johnson   Engineer
Marcia Martin   Producer,Executive Producer
Robert Harley   Mastering
Beck Rowell   Mastering Assistant
Wayne Stahnke   Liner Notes
Hal Vincenty   Editing
Andy Razaf   Composer
Billy Rose   Composer