Pianist Bill Charlap has been playing his brand of elegant standard jazz for over three decades. One could say he has been around. Whether with his on trio featuring bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, or as part of various bands headed by others. He has contributed and left his witty, sophisticated and elegant piano mark on nearly 50 albums since 1993.
Charlap is the son of Broadway composer Moose Charlap, whose credits include Peter Pan, his mother is singer Sandy Stewart, who toured with Benny Goodman, and was a regular on the Perry Como show. She earned a 1963 Grammy nomination for her recording of My Coloring Book. In 2005, Charlap and his mother released the album Love Is Here To Stay on Blue Note.
And Then Again is his latest offering, a charming collection of jazz standards played with a musical grace and elegance that will make you reach for that tuxedo you never had and wear it while you sip martini and play the album yet again. The style is straight ahead jazz, the musical expression and interpretation devoid of gimmicks or artificiality. Charlap’s style can be described as more Ahmad Jamal, than Bill Evans, more Brubeck and less Fats Waller, more of a Hank Jones than Ramsey Lewis, and as original as all of them.
And Then Again is a short and sweet experience that will enrich and enthral. Consisting of 8 tracks lasting just under 47 minutes, the album was recorded live. On the evidence of the 16/44.1 WAV download that was reviewed, the recording quality is very good and the portrayal of the band is convincing. There are opportunities for all in the trio to demonstrate the synergy and uniqueness of the band and the individuals that make it up.
The album has been played frequently in the past two weeks and brings a thrill and with it musical joy. A very highly recommended album for all, a great introduction to jazz piano, for those who are afraid to discover jazz and an excellent excuse to dress up and get down.
Reuben Klein