Denny Zeitlin Archive

Denny Zeitlin, solo piano – Early Wayne – Sunnyside Communications

by Audiophile Audition | Aug 2, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Denny Zeitlin, solo piano – Early Wayne –  Sunnyside Communications SSC1456, 69:59 ****: A dynamic, percussive, pianist with a gift for illuminating modern jazz that is harmonically articulate. In 1978, the late American psychiatrist M. Scott Peck published a book entitled The Road Less Travelled which purports to be a description of the attributes that make for a fulfilled human being. This is not meant to suggest that pianist/psychiatrist Denny Zeitlin does not have a fulfilled life. But rather it propounds that he has successfully developed his career on his own terms, following a path that is free of the shibboleths that might constrain his creative ideas. His current release Solo Piano: Early Wayne is a continuation of this voyage. A number of  Wayne Shorter’s compositions featured here, were written during the period  from 1964 to 1970, when he was a member of The Miles Davis Quintet. His compositions were intricately structured with meandering contours that allowed for a variety of interpretations which Denny Zeitlin has embraced. “Speak No Evil”is a perfect introduction to this recital, as Zetlin demonstrates his eloquent flexibility and dependable curiosity. Wayne Shorter, who is now eighty-two years old, and has achieved iconic status, continues to […]