Jos Van Beest Trio - If You Only Knew - Japan CD

Credits:

Jos Van Beest Trio

Description:

This album pays homage to Oscar Peterson to the fullest extent while keeping the usual gentle Beast verse. This will be Sawano Kobo's first new album in a year. He is a Dutch pianist with a gentle way of speaking. As I have written before in the commentary of Mr. Sawano's works, many pianists from those countries have bright and soft melodies and a pleasant swinging feeling, and I think they are very compatible with the Atelier Sawano series. The Beast has its roots in Oscar Peterson, a giant of the piano, as the subtitle says. I think that his style of playing is the addition of gentle melodies of the Dutch style in just the right amount. This album is a trio without drums and with guitar. This is the formation that Peterson was good at in his early days, and the interplay with the guitar and the power of the bass are also worth listening to. For example, Tr. 01 "World on a String" has a charming intro (may remind you of Pim Jacobs, a senior pianist) and swings with a good touch of blues. This song is exactly what I think it is, a taste of gentle piano storytelling.Tr. 09 "Body and soul" has an ear-catching preface. This is a neat way to start the song. Tr.11 "Love Ballad/Hymn to Freedom" is an essential song for the Peterson Tribute. It is a piano solo in a classical to gospel style. How about this clear beauty? And how about the swinging Tr. 12 "Yours Is My Heart Alone", which closes with a quick and easy conclusion. The Beast's message of "relax and enjoy the performance" seems to be conveyed throughout the album.

Tracklisting:

1.I've Got the World on a String
2.Song to Elitha
3.I'm Confessin'
4.That's All
5.If You Only Knew
6.Broadway
7.Old Folks
8.But Not for Me
9.Body and Soul
10.Blues in the Closet
11.Love Ballade/Hymn to Freedom
12.Yours Is My Heart Alone