Critic's Review
Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
On this CD, Mraz has chosen eleven of Duke Ellington's most enduring evergreens, and alternates every other track with either pianists Renee Rosnes or Cyrus Chestnut. They do play together on the title cut, though it's hardly noticable you're hearing "dueling" pianos. There's little stylistic difference between the two on this recording, (vast contrasts on their own projects though.) Both are extraordinary interpreters and improvisors. If anything Rosnes is a bit more modern while Chestnut has more soul. But their love for Ellington is clear, and with drummer Billy Drummond stoking the fires aside Mraz's world class bass playing, it is a given some excellent music will be made.
Perhaps Chestnut shines most brightly when he stretches out on "Take The A Train" or "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," but his subtle shadings on "Mood Indigo" also make hairs rise. Rosnes is quite adept at re-inventing melodic and harmonic refrains, her takes on "Angelica" and "Caravan" are leaps and bound above mere mortal endeavor. On "Star Crossed Lovers" she is at her most serene and pensive. If Ellington's music is the perfect embodiment of swing, style and bluesy inference, these two knock down all the pins in all frames. Of course Mraz and Drummond are also in the hunt with every measure, Mraz has an uncanny way of intently listening and feeling his way through changes, picking perfect note after note. Drummond is always astounding, but can tone it down to not get in the way of his mates. He is the perfect combination of taste and chops, and is a dynamic wizard, whether playing a ballad, blues or upbeat.
Mraz is easily a top five bassist, and with this crew takes his rep up yet another notch. These may be basic piano trio recordings, but the material and the musicianship is far from elementary, displaying a certain gumption. Highly recommended, and a marvelous tribute to Duke, especially in the Ellington centennial.
Perhaps Chestnut shines most brightly when he stretches out on "Take The A Train" or "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," but his subtle shadings on "Mood Indigo" also make hairs rise. Rosnes is quite adept at re-inventing melodic and harmonic refrains, her takes on "Angelica" and "Caravan" are leaps and bound above mere mortal endeavor. On "Star Crossed Lovers" she is at her most serene and pensive. If Ellington's music is the perfect embodiment of swing, style and bluesy inference, these two knock down all the pins in all frames. Of course Mraz and Drummond are also in the hunt with every measure, Mraz has an uncanny way of intently listening and feeling his way through changes, picking perfect note after note. Drummond is always astounding, but can tone it down to not get in the way of his mates. He is the perfect combination of taste and chops, and is a dynamic wizard, whether playing a ballad, blues or upbeat.
Mraz is easily a top five bassist, and with this crew takes his rep up yet another notch. These may be basic piano trio recordings, but the material and the musicianship is far from elementary, displaying a certain gumption. Highly recommended, and a marvelous tribute to Duke, especially in the Ellington centennial.
