Ed Ed Bickert

This is a somewhat unusual Oscar Peterson record (a CD reissue) in a number of ways. Peterson (along with flugelhornist Clark Terry, bassist Dave Young, drummer Jerry Fuller and either Peter Leitch or Ed Bickert on guitar) performs 13 songs either written or popularized by Canadians. In addition he sings the majority of the tunes in his Nat King Cole-influenced voice and contributes two new songs of his own. The repertoire includes some familiar standards ("Some of These Days," "I'll Never Smile Again," "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise" and "Sweethearts on Parade"), jazz versions of a few pop tunes (including "Spinning Wheel") and a few obscurities.

After a long period of indifferent recordings in the 1960s and early '70s, Rosemary Clooney underwent a renaissance after she began recording regularly for Concord in 1977. Backed by swinging ensembles and encouraged to record songbooks and special projects involving superior songs, Clooney blossomed and her career regained its momentum, continuing into the late '90s. This album finds Rosie singing 11 songs that have Johnny Mercer lyrics, including "Something's Got to Give," "Laura," "I Remember You," "Skylark," and even "Hooray for Hollywood." Joined by such fine soloists as tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, cornetist Warren Vaché, trombonist Dan Barrett, guitarist Ed Bickert, and her musical director, pianist John Oddo, Rosemary Clooney is heard in excellent form throughout the colorful program.

Guitarist Lorne Lofsky's first album for the Jazz Inspiration label, and his first recording as a leader in 11 years, finds him in a much different state of development than on his prior Pablo release. Gone are the blues-influenced phrases, and the direct resemblance to fellow Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert (although Bickert's presence is still evident in the advanced chordal playing of Lofsky's music). What remains is a very aggressive, harmonically and rhythmically sophisticated player whose unique guitar style bears a striking resemblance to Bill Evans. The Evans influence is everywhere on this recording, from the choice of material ("All of You," "My Foolish Heart," "Solar," and "Quiet Now" were all part of Evans' repetoire), to the tracks which feature Lofsky overdubbing multiple guitars, a procedure Evans employed on several records…

Guitarist Lorne Lofsky's first album for the Jazz Inspiration label, and his first recording as a leader in 11 years, finds him in a much different state of development than on his prior Pablo release. Gone are the blues-influenced phrases, and the direct resemblance to fellow Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert (although Bickert's presence is still evident in the advanced chordal playing of Lofsky's music). What remains is a very aggressive, harmonically and rhythmically sophisticated player whose unique guitar style bears a striking resemblance to Bill Evans. The Evans influence is everywhere on this recording, from the choice of material ("All of You," "My Foolish Heart," "Solar," and "Quiet Now" were all part of Evans' repetoire), to the tracks which feature Lofsky overdubbing multiple guitars, a procedure Evans employed on several records…

For a time in 1988, Moe Koffman (tripling on flute, alto and soprano) teamed up regularly with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. On this CD, Koffman and his regular group (guitarist Ed Bickert, keyboardist Bernie Senensky, bassist Kieran Overs, and drummer Barry Elmes) perform three of Dizzy's tunes, originals by Koffman and Senensky, and "Lush Life" with Gillespie. Diz's trumpet playing was clearly past its prime by 1988, but his scat singing on "Oop-Pop-A-Da" is quite virtuosic and outstanding, easily the high point of this little-known set.