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Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – Portrait In Black And White (1996) [Japan 2017]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

This disc reflects Eddie Higgins’s musical interest, a range including standards, Brazilian compositions, folk music, and the classics. Drummer James Martin nicely covers the variety of rhythms in the program. Bassist Don Wilmer, of Miami, is one of the rare symphony musicians capable of first rate jazz. Much of the program has a Blanton – Ellington feel, rather than the usual piano-with-rhythm.

Eddie Higgins is a quiet musician. His playing is never flamboyant and never exceeds the boundaries of good taste. The music coming out of his piano is reflective, exuding a feeling of relaxation, contemplation, and intimate beauty. This is not to say that his playing is so spare as to lack emotion. It’s there, not thrown in the face of the listener. Like the playing, the listener must be attentive. This pianistic attitude is the artistic basis for his third album for the Sunnyside label. Filled with songs that are a steady part of the Higgins repertoire, the play list has representatives from the book of classic popular standards, Brazilian, and short classical pieces. That this serious stuff is seen by the fact that bass player Don Wilner spends a significant amount of time using the bow. This creates a chamber jazz atmosphere on such tunes as “Danny Boy.” Wilner’s importance to this session is set right at the outset with his sparkling plucked solo on “Lullaby of the Leaves.” An album highlight is a rapturous Higgins piano on a lightly Brazilian rhythm medley of “The Dolphin” and “Someone to Light up My Life.” Even on this tempo, Higgins does not go overboard with a heavy percussive presence assuring that the melody, not the rhythm, stays in the limelight. Higgins accompanies his wife, singer Meredith D’Ambrosio. Thus he is familiar with the lyrics which gives him a much better feel for the meaning of the music. His right hand on “What Is This Thing Called Love” is akin to a singer’s scatting on this up-tempo arrangement. For creative subtlety applied to an agenda of interesting music, this album will be a smart addition to any jazz library. Recommended.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – If Dreams Come True (2004) [Japan 2014]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Through his numerous releases from Venus Records, Eddie Higgins has firmly established his position as one of the most celebrated jazz pianists in Japan. On If Dreams Come True, Eddie Higgins performs with his trio consisting of Jay Leonhart on bass and Joe Ascione on drums.

hraudio | allmusic 

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Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – Haunted Heart (1997) [Japan 2000]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

This is a haunted, introspective album of piano-trio jazz very much indebted to Bill Evans and, to a lesser extent, George Shearing. Veteran Eddie Higgins mostly serves up standards from the Great American Songbook in a tasteful, unshowy, often gently swinging way, harmonically locked into the mainstream, occasionally throwing in a gentle quote for humor’s sake.

hraudio | discogs

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Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – Dear Old Stockholm (2003) [Venus Japan]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

By the time this, veteran pianist Eddie Higgins had become one of the most popular pianists in Japan, thanks in no small part to the independent label Venus Records. To commemorate its 10th anniversary with Venus, the label asked its fans which songs they would like to hear the Eddie Higgins Trio perform in their new album. Higgins chose 12 songs out of the top 25 and added two of his own choosing. It might be interesting for you to learn what songs are preferred by Japanese jazz fans. With a lot of ballads, this is in most part a mellow, relaxing album. Supported by the deep, tuneful bass of Jay Leonhart and sensitive drums of Joe Ascione, Higgins plays these popular songs with elegance and restrained passion. His musical ideas are always flowing and harmonies beautiful. Highlights include “Nardis” where the trio picks up the tempo and intensity, “Dear Old Stockholm” (the No. 1 choice of fans) and “Witchcraft” (swinging Sinatra number, anyone?). Great songs, wonderfully played. And as always the case with Venus Records, great sound.

hraudio | discogs

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Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – Don’t Smoke In Bed (2000) [Venus Japan]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Veteran pianist Eddie Higgins’ celebrated trio album from 2000 features songs made famous by female jazz vocalists. In this drum-less trio, Higgins impresses with tasty and swinging interplay with guitarist John Pizzarelli and bassist Jay Leonhart.

Eddie Higgins has long been a part of the American jazz scene, though he has tended to be overlooked by critics and to a certain extent, record labels in his homeland. But the cagey veteran knows his way around the piano and makes swinging seem effortless, as on these 2000 sessions. Fortunately, the Japanese Venus label has found a steady market for Higgins’ CDs in Japan, where he has had many opportunities to record as a leader. This disc is a trio affair with guitarist John Pizzarelli and bassist Jay Leonhart, both accomplished musicians as well. Beginning with a strutting take of “Close Your Eyes,” which brings a fresh sound to this old chestnut, it is clear right away that the chemistry among the players is just right. Duke Ellington’s lush ballad “I Didn’t Know About You” seemed like it was destined to be overlooked, but Higgins is one of many who have offered shimmering treatments of this lyrical gem. The pianist contributed one original, “Brown-Eyed Beauty,” which has a George Shearing-like flavor; one can almost imagine Shearing’s quintet playing this lovely piece back in the 1960s. This album is full of standards and forgotten gems that are equally appealing.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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