Howland
takes on old favorites
By
Cheryl Kain
Friday, September 2, 2005
How fitting that
this CD is titled "On A Clear Day." Cape-based pianist Bill
Howland's greatest gift is the clarity with which he plays those
ivories. Beginning the disc with the lovely "There Will Never Be
Another You," his rhythmic left hand and crystal-clear melody begin
to carry you off to some musical destination you'd be happy never to
return from.
The
old Gershwin favorite "Summertime" is sweetened with swing.
Howland's rendition starts out with the familiar haunting tune, and
then swings it, improvising all the way, weaving his characteristic
motif throughout.
Howland's
rhythmic delivery on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste" captures the
Brazilian composer's essence effortlessly. Howland is spot on,
enhancing the rich chords with his easy lilt and sassy chord
changes.
Next
up is the Mancini/Mercer song "The Days of Wine and Roses." This is
a nice up-tempo version, and halfway through Howland employs his
famous walking left hand bass. For those of you unfamiliar with
piano solos, all of these tunes are not easy stuff to play. Unlike
performing with a trio, where the pianist is freed up to riff and
ramble atop a bass line, playing alone, the pianist must "comp" with
the left hand and play melody with his right hand.
Howland
manages to tastefully flesh out the standards while keeping
impeccable time, with commitment to his signature style. Howland's
style is not overly showy, but solid, beautiful playing that wins
over our ears and hearts at once.
"How
High the Moon" once more shines his tasty timing and sensitive chord
movement, beginning with a melodic statement, and then improvising
around the melody. Again, Howland breaks up the song's form
employing a walking bass and right hand solo.
In
"Autumn Leaves," Howland plays the wonderfully rich tune while
modulating to different keys without us realizing where he is taking
us.
The
title track "On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)," Howland does a
straight ahead spin on the song, then ventures into a shimmering
solo and restating the melody once more. "Fly Me to the Moon" is
perfection, and the CD wraps up with the inimitable "In A
Sentimental Mood" and "Emily."
The Duke Ellington penned "In A Sentimental
Mood" is done in moderate tempo, where again pianist Howland
modulates effortlessly between keys. Finally, the gorgeous "Emily"
begins in a symmetric meter, and then veers into almost a syncopated
waltz feel, with that famously beautiful theme throughout.
This
is a great CD to relax to outside on the patio, with a glass of wine
in hand, and it is a must-hear while driving! Bill Howland plays
with the style, grace and ease of a finely honed musician who has
been and performed around the block, and then some. Don't miss this
foray into our beloved standards. If you consider yourself a jazz
aficionado, you'll hear that this is not one of those
dime-a-dozen-million-notes per minute kind of jazz piano player. And
if you've never even ventured into jazz territory, check it out
anyway. Beautiful music is beautiful music, no matter what category
you place a song. Here on Howland's "On A Clear Day," there is
clearly something for everyone.
Howland
performs regularly at Christian's in Chatham on Monday nights from 7
to 11. He has played at Chatham Bars Inn, The Roadhouse, Bubala's,
Campari's and many other venues. His website is
www.howlandonline.com
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