Category: SACD

SACD

Eddie Higgins Trio – Dear Old Stockholm (2003) [Venus Japan] [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-11]

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Eddie Higgins Trio - Dear Old Stockholm (2003) [Venus Japan]

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.

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SACD

Eddie Higgins Trio – Don’t Smoke In Bed (2000) [Venus Japan] [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-15]

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Eddie Higgins Trio - Don't Smoke In Bed (2000) [Venus Japan]

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.

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SACD

Eddie Higgins Trio – Bewitched (2001) [Japan 2003] [SACD / Venus Records – TKGV-8]

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Eddie Higgins Trio - Bewitched (2001) [Japan 2003]

Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – Bewitched (2001) [Japan 2003]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Renowned jazz pianist Eddie Higgins is joined here by bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Joe Ascione for a set of standards including “You Must Believe In Spring”, “Bewitched, Botherd, And Bewildered” and “Autumn Leaves”.

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SACD

Eddie Higgins Trio – A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (2007) [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-93]

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Eddie Higgins Trio - A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (2007)

Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (2007)
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Spectacular playing by Higgins accompanied and backed by Jay Leonhart on bass and Mark Taylor on drums. I will confess that my favorite drummer who was frequently a member of Higgins’ trios was Joe Ascione, but Taylor is perfect on this album. If you are a Higgins fan, then you are probably familiar with Leonhart who is almost telepathically connected to Higgins.

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SACD

Eddie Higgins Trio – Again (2000) [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-57]

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Eddie Higgins Trio - Again (2000)

Title: Eddie Higgins Trio – Again (2000)
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

One of a handful of the very best piano jazz interpreters in the world, Eddie Higgins takes his place along side Beegie Adair, Dick Hyman, Oscar Peterson, John Proulx, Hank Jones, and maybe five or six other masters. This CD, like all his albums is stunning in its simplicity and in its complexity. A master of interpretation, melodic invention and smooth, easy jazz at his peak.

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SACD

Eddie Higgins – Standards by Request, Solo Piano – 2nd Day (2008) [Japan 2016] [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-152]

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Eddie Higgins - Standards by Request, Solo Piano - 2nd Day (2008) [Japan 2016]

Title: Eddie Higgins – Standards by Request, Solo Piano – 2nd Day (2008) [Japan 2016]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Here you have a second collection of standards requested by readers of Swing Journal. Forty of the top requests were given to Higgins and the plan was to record material for only one album. However, after recording 15 tracks on the first day – an extraordinary feat in itself – Higgins wanted to continue. So another recording took place the next day where Higgins recorded another 15 tracks. No music sheets were involved. Higgins is so talented as a pianist that his own arranging and pacing of tunes – as well as its spontaneous arrangement – were highly successful. The producer didn’t feel the need to change a thing.

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SACD

Eddie Higgins – Standards by Request, Solo Piano – 1st Day (2008) [Japan 2015] [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-87]

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Eddie Higgins - Standards by Request, Solo Piano - 1st Day (2008) [Japan 2015]

Title: Eddie Higgins – Standards by Request, Solo Piano – 1st Day (2008) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Pianist Eddie Higgins may not be well known in the U.S., but he is hands down the most famous and prolific musician on the Venus Records roster. Since his 1997 Venus debut, Higgins has released more than 20 albums from the label. This release is the first from a pair of solo piano albums that include a collection of standards requested by readers of Swing Journal. Forty of the top requests were given to Higgins and the plan was to record material for only one album. However, after recording 15 tracks on the first day – an extraordinary feat in itself – Higgins wanted to continue. So another recording took place the next day where Higgins recorded another 15 tracks.

The tracks on this release are presented in the order they were recorded. No music sheets were involved. Higgins is so talented as a pianist that his own arranging and pacing of tunes – as well as its spontaneous arrangement – were highly successful. The producer didn’t feel the need to change a thing. Standards by Request 1st Day shows why Higgins is such a popular artist. It’s all here – the beautiful sound, exquisite touch, stylish swing, and harmonious improvisation. Sit back and enjoy the work of a master!

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SACD

Eddie Higgins Quintet – It’s Magic (2007) [Japan 2015] [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-51]

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Eddie Higgins Quintet - It's Magic (2007) [Japan 2015]

Title: Eddie Higgins Quintet – It’s Magic (2007) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Through his numerous albums released from Venus Records, Eddie Higgins has firmly established his position as one of the most celebrated jazz pianists in Japan. For this album, which was released in 2007 in its original form, Higgins was paired with two veteran horn players who share his mature, straight-ahead sensibilities: Scott Hamilton and Ken Peplowski.

Eddie Higgins has been an active jazz musician since the late ’50s, though he has developed an especially strong following in Japan, resulting in numerous opportunities to record for Japanese jazz labels. This single-disc set features the bandleader with tenor saxophonists Scott Hamilton and Ken Peplowski, along with bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Ben Riley. The primary focus is on slow, lush interpretations of ballads, with Hamilton having more of a straight-ahead approach when compared to Peplowski’s more personal, conversational style. Exceptions include the snappy, swinging take of “I Never Knew,” a breezy arrangement with Peplowski’s gritty solo taking top honors, and the driving explorations of “Autumn Leaves.” Peplowski switches to clarinet for part of the session, especially the gorgeous take of “Mood Indigo.” Throughout the date, Higgins’ engaging piano seems effortless, as the songs have likely long been a part of his repertoire.

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