Richie Beirach Manhattan Reverie

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.

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.

The golden trio of Richie Beirach, George Mraz and Billy Hart returns to Venus Records with another superb album. This is an eagerly awaited release because their previous output, Manhattan Reverie, was not only selected as Swing Journal Gold Disc but also won the magazine's 2006 Jazz Disc "Silver" Award. The trio goes back more than 30 years, and, as Beirach lives and teaches in Germany now, they seem to especially enjoy these 'reunion' recording sessions. Their exuberance is felt throughout the program which is dominated by four Miles Davis compositions and augmented by four standards and two classical tunes. This is another strong album by Beirach, and should not be missed by his fans.

The golden trio of Richie Beirach, George Mraz and Billy Hart returns to Venus Records with another superb album. This is an eagerly awaited release because their previous output, Manhattan Reverie, was not only selected as Swing Journal Gold Disc but also won the magazine's 2006 Jazz Disc "Silver" Award. The trio goes back more than 30 years, and, as Beirach lives and teaches in Germany now, they seem to especially enjoy these 'reunion' recording sessions. Their exuberance is felt throughout the program which is dominated by four Miles Davis compositions and augmented by four standards and two classical tunes. This is another strong album by Beirach, and should not be missed by his fans.