Sacramento Archive

Dick Hyman Solo At The Sacramento Jazz Festivals 1983-1988 – Arbor Records

by Audiophile Audition | Oct 16, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Dick Hyman Solo At The Sacramento Jazz Festivals 1983-1988 – Arbor Records ARCD 19451, 70:45 ****: Vintage performances by a jazz master gets a digital conversion. (Dick Hyman – piano) Like many jazz pianists, Dick Hyman was destined to be a classical prodigy. His early repertoire included Beethoven, but he found symmetry with Chopin. The expansive melodies (especially waltzes) lent themselves to jazz improvisation. After an Army stint, Hyman won an on-air competition, and more importantly 12 free lessons with Teddy Wilson. Hyman would one day be pianist for Benny Goodman as well. In addition to traditional jazz, Hyman developed an interest in ragtime  and stride piano, researching the catalog of Jelly Roll Morton, Scott Joplin, James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake and Fats Waller. These composers have become a staple of Hyman’s live performances. He has created scores for many Woody Allen films, written for dance companies and explored electronic music (with an emphasis on the Lowrey organ). Throughout this illustrious career, Hyman has continued to perform and record live concerts. Arbor Records has released a collection of rare solo performances recorded thirty years ago. Dick Hyman Solo At The Sacramento Jazz Festivals 1983-1988 is a brilliant assortment of piano […]