Evolution
For nearly 60 years, pianist John Lewis has co-led theModern Jazz Quartetand successfully fused Bach, bop, and the blues into his own brilliant musical conception. He's recorded only twice as a solo pianist, which makes this offering all the more special. Alone at the keyboard, the New Mexico-raised Lewis displays the kind of spare and swinging pianism that recalls the "storytelling" style that madeCount Basieand saxophonistLester Youngfamous. Lewis's sly, rollicking version of "Sweet Georgia Brown" is a superb example of how to swing and embellish without wasting notes, as are his takes on the standards, "I'll Remember April," "Willow Weep for Me," "Cherokee," and "Don't Blame Me." Lewis's invigorating improvisation breathes new life into his own compositions. "Afternoon in Paris" is blessed with an engaging lyrical melody. "Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West" rings with the cool hues of the blues, while "At the Horse Show" is an impromptu, fleet-fingered workout. Lewis's "Django" is moving elegy to guitaristDjango Reinhardt, rendered in a mournful, Ravelian mood, and "For Ellington" is performed in the same saintly and sanctified aural image of "Come Sunday" and "Heaven" by this underrated master of African-American piano.--Eugene Holley Jr.