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
