Live at Bernie's

by Bill Cunliffe

Overview

Bill Cunliffe has long been one of Los Angeles' top jazz pianists. His modern mainstream style is flexible (he can play in idioms ranging from swing to fusion), he has his own voice within the tradition, and he is an underrated composer. On Live at Bernie's, Cunliffe performs four standards, three of his own originals, and three obscurities, swinging all the way. He is teamed with bassist Darek Oles and drummer Joe Labarbera, both of whom have also played in a countless number of settings in the L.A. area. The trio works closely together, often seeming to think as one. Among the highlights are a slightly reinvented "Satin Doll," Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby" (which is taken much faster than usual), a swinging version of "The Way You Look Tonight," a surprisingly effective jazz waltz version of Rod McKuen's "Jean," Cunliffe's picturesque "Ireland," and a thoughtful solo piano interpretation of "Imagine." But in reality, all ten selections are worth hearing and show off the musicians' talents quite well. Live At Bernie's is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	08/07/2002
Label:	Groove Note
UPC:	0660318100931
Rank:	12734

Tracks

1. Satin Doll
2. Waltz for Debby
3. Ireland
4. Amusing Paramours
5. Sharon
6. Jean
7. Excursions
8. Like a Dream
9. The Way You Look Tonight
10. Imagine

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bill Cunliffe   Primary Artist,Piano
Darek Oleszkiewicz   Bass
Joe La Barbera   Drums

Technical Credits

James Lizardi   Art Direction,Design
Bill Cunliffe   Composer
Darek Oleszkiewicz   Composer
Duke Ellington   Composer
John Lennon   Composer
Rod McKuen   Composer
Johnny Mercer   Composer
Billy Strayhorn   Composer
Michael C. Ross   Engineer
Yoko Ono   Composer
Samuel Barber   Composer
Ying Tan   Executive Producer
Bill Evans   Composer
Joe Harley   Producer
Dorothy Fields   Composer
Gene Lees   Composer
Michael Aarvold   Assistant Engineer
Bill Kohlhaase   Liner Notes
Sebastian Koh   Executive Producer
Joseph d'Alessio   Cover Photo,Photography
Jerome Kern   Composer
Bernie Grundman   Mastering