The Last Waltz

This wonderful tribute concert to the hero of lyrical Jazz Piano features Kenny Wheeler, Gordon Beck and friends at the Brewhouse Theatre, London 1992. The prolific and exceptionally musical Evans was proufoundly influential across the Jazz world, and several of his finest compositions are performed in this exceptional tribute event.

Tchaikovsky - almost alone - saw the possibilities of specially-composed music for the classical ballet, which was hugely popular in nineteenth-century Russia. His secret was to work closely with his choreographer and link music and dance routines at the outset: this proved vital to the stage action and the final success of the whole production. Swan Lake was the first, and Nutcracker the last of Tchaikovsky’s three ballet scores. Following the success of Sleeping Beauty came the request for another ballet, which eventually formed a double-bill with his opera Yolanta. Tchaikovsky agreed, unusually, that some of the Nutcracker music could be played at an orchestral concert before the ballet opened in St Petersburg. At the concert, an enthusiastic audience encored almost every number.

Pianist Don Friedman has had a lengthy career that includes 35 CDs as a leader and many significant associations since at least the early '60s. Friedman has lost none of his enthusiasm or creative abilities through the years, as can be heard on this excellent quartet outing. Although a few selections are mildly funky or a little more modern, most of the performances are very boppish, with Friedman playing his take on the Bud Powell tradition. Friedman's five originals and bassist Martin Wind's catchy "Early Morning Blues" are on the same high level as the four standards. Guitarist Peter Bernstein is a major asset. His solos are tasteful and swinging, but it is his interplay with Friedman that are the consistent high points. With fine support from Wind and drummer Tony Jefferson, this is one of Don Friedman's best all-round recordings.~Scott Yanow, allmusic.com

~ The ultimate “Living Stereo” Collector’s Edition – A celebration of high-fidelity analogue recording ~ All 60 CDs newly remastered from the original 2- and 3-track master tapes using 24 bit / 192 kHz technology ~ First ever release of 48 “Living Stereo” LPs on CD ~ Hardcover bound book with a new introduction by discographer Michael Gray, full discographical notes and content listing ~ All albums with facsimile LP sleeves and labels About “Living Stereo”: Early in the fall of 1958, the world of high-fidelity music reproduction changed forever.