Heartsongs

by Fred Hersch

Overview

Before Fred Hersch's star rose during the 1990s, resulting in several Grammy nominations, he was quietly establishing himself as one of the most lyrical up-and-coming pianists, as he demonstrates on these 1989 studio sessions. Accompanied by bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Jeff Hirschfield, he surprises the listener right away with a fresh approach to the oft-heard standard "The Man I Love," gliding over Hirschfield's adept brushwork and Formanek's soft, spacious bassline. Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes" also benefits from Hersch's minimalist approach, shimmering in an arrangement in which the leader and the bassist alternate solos. But Hersch best demonstrates his considerable gifts as a composer. "Heartsong" is a captivating work that he has sometimes played in a solo setting, though this trio version proves to be explosive. "Evanessence" is a gorgeous tribute to the late Bill Evans, with a superb solo by Formanek reminiscent of Scott LaFaro's fleet performances with Evans. Although Fred Hersch has made released many memorable CDs since this Sunnyside release, this fine effort is also well worth investigating. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	07/20/2018
Label:	Sunnyside Communications
UPC:	0016728147422
Rank:	155811

Tracks

1. The Man I Love
2. Fall
3. Lullabye
4. Free for Three
5. Heartsong
6. Infant Eyes
7. Beam Me Up
8. I Mean You
9. Evanessence
10. Rain
11. Waltz

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Fred Hersch   Primary Artist,Piano
Michael Formanek   Guest Artist,Bass
Jeff Hirshfield   Drums
Jeff Hirschfield   Drums

Technical Credits

Michael Formanek   Composer
Francois Zalacain   Executive Producer
George Gershwin   Composer
Ira Gershwin   Composer
Wayne Shorter   Composer
Fred Hersch   Composer,Producer
Ornette Coleman   Composer
Thelonious Monk   Composer
Coleman Hawkins   Composer
Jeff Lippay   Assistant Engineer
Chris Crukker   Design
Christopher Drukker   Design
Dr. Chuck Berg   Liner Notes
Sandra Eisner   Photography
A.T. Michael MacDonald   Engineer