Kenny Washington

One of the world’s premier jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed and recorded with many leading artists of our time, ranging from jazz masters Phil Woods and Wynton Marsalis to singers Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Since 1997, he has led the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. Charlap is the artistic director of 92Y's Jazz in July Festival in NYC, and in 2016 will celebrate his 12th Anniversary as director. He has also produced concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center, the JVC Jazz Festival and the Hollywood Bowl. Tony Bennett and Bill Charlap are the recipients of a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop album, for their 2015 release, The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern.

At 89, Lee Konitz has nothing left to prove, but the legendary saxophonist, who began his long recording career on Miles Davis’ Birth of the Cool back in 1949, proves here nonetheless that he remains one of the most original and truly improvisatory talents in jazz.

Pianist Benny Green delivers his first album of all-original material with 2013's Magic Beans. Joining Green here is the superb rhythm section of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington. Green has long evinced the influence of such jazz giants as Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, and Magic Beans is no exception, with cuts like "Flying Saucer" and "Paraphrase" bringing to mind the angular bop lines of those artists. Similarly, as directly stated in the song titles, "Harold Land," "Kenny Drew," and "Jackie McLean" are also clearly on Green's mind, with the aforementioned tracks truly conjuring their titles' inspirations.

Before the talented pianist Bill Charlap went "major" with the Blue Note label, he was discovered by Venus Records and the Japanese audience. This "debut" album of Charlap, released in 1999, was an enormous hit and became an instant classic. Deeply rooted in the tradition of jazz and with tremendous knowledge and respect for the American songbook, Charlap's piano playing is lyrical, fantastic and powerful. This album may not dazzle you with apparent "newness," but the beauty of melody, sound, and deep swing will move you and make you smile. The great New York rhythm section, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, contributes with great performances as well.

Joel Evans is extremely grateful to all the talented Artists whose contributions & performances elevate this music!!

Russian-born pianist Vladimir Shafranov, who was introduced to Japanese jazz fans by Atelier Sawano in the 1990s, has moved on to Venus Records. A long-time resident of Finland, Shafranov teams up here with Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums. With the support of this powerful rhythm section, Shafranov dazzles with his romanticism, beautiful harmonies, and driving swing. A thoroughly enjoyable trio album and a must-have for Shafranov fans.

"For me, "Impressions of Ella" feels like a homecoming of sorts. Like a family reunion after years of separation. A reconnection with the music that fueled my most formative musical years and it was Ella Fitzgerald that left quite an impression.

For me, "Impressions of Ella" feels like a homecoming of sorts. Like a family reunion after years of separation. A reconnection with the music that fueled my most formative musical years and it was Ella Fitzgerald that left quite an impression. I admired the effortless way she made herself a part of the band, even though she was the star. Her powerful voice and explosive scat to the most delicate tones had me hooked. I wanted to celebrate her and the style of her sound but in doing so, keeping my own individuality. Legendary pianist, Kenny Barron, Kenny Washington (drums) and Peter Washington (bass) played this music with such finesse.

One of the world's premiere jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed with many leading artists of our time, ranging from Phil Woods and Tony Bennett to Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis. Charlap and Bennet recently collaborated on a record of Jerome Kern songs and now, over nine classic songs, Charlap's new album, Notes from New York, provides an accomplished and generously warm sample of the talent of this inimitable musician.