Our two latest additions to the Piano Corner are very different. First is Geoffrey Keezer’s Premonition, a subtly ominous medium-slow song that packs a lot of rhythmic and harmonic variety into a short form. Originally recorded on Roy Hargrove’s debut album as a leader, our lead sheets reflect this first version. James Spaulding recorded this song in a different key, playing the rarely featured bass flute; we have a lead sheet based on this recording as well. Geoffrey’s solo piano arrangement is available as well as exclusive audio, video and score of a duo version he recorded with bassist Daryl Johns.
On Fletcher Henderson's Soft Winds we now have a piano melody and solo transcription from Art Tatum’s 1944 trio recording. As with many Art Tatum solos, this one may take a few listenings to fully comprehend! This is a great opportunity to get an in-depth look at the style of one of the most virtuosic soloists of the Swing Era.
Two classics of 1950s “cool jazz” are also now available. Tasty Pudding is a mellow minor-key swinger by Al Cohn, which has been recorded in quite a variety of different keys, tempos, and arrangements. We have no less than six versions available: the original Miles Davis recording with Al’s full septet arrangement, and condensed scores for versions by Chuck Wayne, Stan Getz and Bob Brookmeyer , Chet Baker, Dave Frishberg, and Herb Geller.
Also recorded by Chet Baker is In A Little Provincial Town by tenor saxophonist/flutist Bobby Jaspar - a charming, romantic ballad with a rhythmic double-time intro. Our lead sheets are based on Bobby’s own 1956 quintet recording, but we also have melody parts reflecting the arrangements recorded by Chet and by J.J. Johnson. J.J.’s is the best-known recording of this song and features Bobby on flute with the classic rhythm section of Tommy Flanagan, Wilbur Little and Elvin Jones.