David Hazeltine George Mraz Trio Manhattan [chesky Sacd 310] {studio Master 2496}

This classically-trained veteran pianist was marking his sixth decade on earth with a little help from his friends—trio band mates, bassist George Mraz and drummer Billy Hart, expert rhythm makers also featured on this highly effective Japanese import from Venus Records, Manhattan Reverie. They all appeared to have a certain twinkle in their eyes, suggesting that they are very comfortable playing with each other, wise to each other's ways and that they were having a good time. It was kind of a nice message: Age has nothing to do with vitality or musical ability, except maybe, in this case, it adds to both of those things.

This classically-trained veteran pianist was marking his sixth decade on earth with a little help from his friends—trio band mates, bassist George Mraz and drummer Billy Hart, expert rhythm makers also featured on this highly effective Japanese import from Venus Records, Manhattan Reverie. They all appeared to have a certain twinkle in their eyes, suggesting that they are very comfortable playing with each other, wise to each other's ways and that they were having a good time. It was kind of a nice message: Age has nothing to do with vitality or musical ability, except maybe, in this case, it adds to both of those things.

David Hazeltine is one of many accomplished jazz pianists based in New York City, developing an international following with his recordings for labels in Europe and Japan, in addition to the U.S. Some of his best work has been for Sharp Nine, which released his debut CD in 1995, several tracks of which focused on piano trios. The New Classic Trio features his regular drummer Joe Farnsworth, and the seasoned veteran George Mraz (who has recorded as member of the Oscar Peterson Trio, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, and the Stan Getz Quartet, in addition to his work as a leader).

David Hazeltine makes his second contribution to Chesky's acclaimed New York Sessions series with this stunning set of compositions by revered Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. The combination of the sophisticated elegance of a jazz piano trio, delicate arrangements and Chesky's renowned recording techniques presents Hazeltine (and Jobim) like you've never heard before.

David Hazeltine makes his second contribution to Chesky's acclaimed New York Sessions series with this stunning set of compositions by revered Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. The combination of the sophisticated elegance of a jazz piano trio, delicate arrangements and Chesky's renowned recording techniques presents Hazeltine (and Jobim) like you've never heard before.

The acclaimed New York saxophonist Javon Jackson leads a celebration of the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, whose collaboration began in 1938 and continued until Strayhorn's death in 1967. Jackson is joined for this session by arranger/pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Paul Gill and drummer Tony Reedus. Together they perform well-known compositions such as "Caravan," "Chelsea Bridge," and "Lotus Blossom," as well as tunes that are not usually played by quartets such as "In My Solitude." The two soloists, Jackson and Hazeltine explore the bluesier and moodier side of Ellington's music as well as ballads like "Warm Valley" and slightly more up-tempo tunes like "In a Sentimental Mood".

The acclaimed New York saxophonist Javon Jackson leads a celebration of the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, whose collaboration began in 1938 and continued until Strayhorn's death in 1967. Jackson is joined for this session by arranger/pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Paul Gill and drummer Tony Reedus. Together they perform well-known compositions such as "Caravan," "Chelsea Bridge," and "Lotus Blossom," as well as tunes that are not usually played by quartets such as "In My Solitude." The two soloists, Jackson and Hazeltine explore the bluesier and moodier side of Ellington's music as well as ballads like "Warm Valley" and slightly more up-tempo tunes like "In a Sentimental Mood".

Unlike many young musicians, pianist David Hazeltine paid extensive dues working and recording as a sideman before a productive flurry of dates of his own during the late '90s, as he neared his 40th birthday. This studio session for the Japanese label Venus, with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Louis Hayes, focuses exclusively on the works of Horace Silver.

Hazeltine is one of the most sought after pianists today. He has worked with some of the world's most respected jazz legends including James Moody, Eddie Harris, Jon Faddis, Joe Henderson, Pepper Adams, Jon Hendricks, and Marlena Shaw. David is known for taking a familiar or unexpected song and making it new, making it his own. He effortlessly transfers this skill from song to stage. Whether he’s composing or interpreting, accompanying or leading, you are certain to end the set remembering the sounds of David Hazeltine.

David Hazeltine is a prolific pianist who releases at least one leader album a year, in addition to his work as a sideman and a member of well-known groups such as One For All. It is astonishing that his numerous CDs are never dull or boring. There is no doubt that he is at the most creative and productive stage of his career. In the past, Hazeltine has released several "songbook" CDs from Venus Records, paying tribute to pianists and composers such as Bill Evans, Bud Powell and Horace Silver. His latest is a Burt Bacharach songbook. As usual, Hazeltine shows off his impressive arranging skills and reimagines such Bacharach classics as "The Look of Love", "Walk on by", "This Guy is in Love", "Alfie" and "Close to You". Hazeltine's crisp and assured piano performance is creatively supported by his bandmates and fellow One For All members, David Williams and Joe Farnsworth.