Life's Magic

by Steve Kuhn

Overview

Steve Kuhn leads an all-star trio with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster in this compilation of 1986 performances recorded over several nights at the Village Vanguard. First issued on Black Hawk and subsequently re-released in 2012 with a new cover, this is one of the many highlights of the pianist's vast discography. Opening with a spry, playful take of "Little Old Lady," Kuhn follows with his loping, bluesy "Two by Two" and Fats Waller's lyrical "Jitterbug Waltz," the latter showcasing Carter's intricate bass and Foster's light touch with brushes. His brisk setting of "Yesterday's Gardenias" (a song recorded by Glenn Miller in the 1940s) takes it far from its roots, turning this ballad into an engaging post-bop vehicle. The pianist's "Mr. Calypso Kuhn" puts the spotlight on Foster, opening with an intense solo, followed by the addition of Carter and, finally, the leader. Kuhn's luxurious, spacious take of "Never Let Me Go" conveys the song's message even without its lyrics. The disc closes with an extended workout of "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" that leaves the entranced audience wanting more. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	10/16/2012
Label:	Sunnyside Communications
UPC:	0016728132329
Rank:	131993

Tracks

1. Little Old Lady
2. Two by Two
3. Jitterbug Waltz
4. Ulla/Trance
5. Yesterday's Gardenias
6. Mr. Calypso Kuhn
7. Never Let Me Go
8. Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Steve Kuhn   Primary Artist,Piano
Steve Kuhn Trio   Primary Artist
Ron Carter   Bass
Al Foster   Drums

Technical Credits

Richard Maltby, Jr.   Composer
Jim Anderson   Assistant Engineer
Nelson Cogane   Composer
Ray Evans   Composer
Arthur Moorhead   Producer
Sigmund Romberg   Composer
Hoagy Carmichael   Composer
Stanley Adams   Composer
Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer
Jay Livingston   Composer
Dave Baker   Engineer
George Horn   Mastering
Zand Gee   Art Direction
Mitchell Seidel   Back Cover
David Baker   Engineer
Stanley Crouch   Liner Notes
Steve Kuhn   Composer
Sammy Mysels   Composer
Fats Waller   Composer
Dick Robertson   Composer