That {|Higgins|} is a virtuoso pianist is not in question; in fact, his group works with {|Wayne Shorter|}, {|Eddie Harris|}, trio sessions, and duets with wife {|Meredith D'Ambrosio|} are all solid prior examples of his substantial talent. This is h... Read more

That {|Higgins|} is a virtuoso pianist is not in question; in fact, his group works with {|Wayne Shorter|}, {|Eddie Harris|}, trio sessions, and duets with wife {|Meredith D'Ambrosio|} are all solid prior examples of his substantial talent. This is his first all solo piano disc, and it's a beaut. Though well versed in bop, modern mainstream, and Swing-era styles, {|Higgins|} is a very competent stride pianist, albeit on the lighter side. Proof positive is offered during several of the 14 tracks, including {|Can't Get out of This Mood,|} {|You and the Night and the Music,|} {|You Turned the Tables on Me,|} {|A Sleepin' Bee,|} and {|Nina Never Knew.|} He's also a pure ballad interpreter on {|Ruby,|} {|Say It Isn't So,|} {|Stairway to the Stars,|} and, especially, the lengthy and languid {|A Handful of Stars.|} One would hope {|Higgins|}, capable as he is, would crank it up a bit, and he does during the bulk of the bouncy tune {|A Blues Serenade.|} In essence he's a great swinger as that rhythm buoys witty piano lines on the relaxed {|I Hadn't Anyone 'Til You,|} the patient {|Lucky to Be Me,|} or deliberate waltz {|Zigeuner.|} {|Higgins|} changes speeds effectively on a time medley featuring the even-keeled {|I Didn't Know What Time It Was,|} the down-trodden {|Time Was,|} and the uppity, hopeful title track. Here's a thought not widely echoed but always implied: {|Eddie Higgins|} is one of the great jazz pianists of the last 50 years, and all the evidence you need is on this marvelous CD. Highly recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos Less