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Title: David Hazeltine Trio – Cleopatra’s Dream (2006) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

David Hazeltine is one of the best pianists and arrangers of our time. For a while now he has been releasing albums dedicated to specific musicians and composers. For Cleopatra’s Dream, Hazeltine performed compositions by the legendary Bud Powell. For most pianists, it would be a formidable task to rework Powell’s compositions as he was a respected guitarist who could play the instrument as well as anyone. Hazeltine wildly succeeds by not trying to ape Powell’s unique style but rather by bringing out the elegant melodies and tenderness of the compositions. George Mraz on bass and Billy Drummond on drums provide exceptional support and add dazzling solos. The title of Hazeltine’s only composition on the album says it all: “This One’s for Bud”.
The capable New York City-based pianist David Hazeltine dives head first into the music of Bud Powell on these 2005 sessions with veteran bassist George Mraz and drummer Billy Drummond. His straight-ahead interpretation of “Tempus Fugit” is full of energy yet without the quirky stop-and-go flavor of many recordings. “Wail” is a light-hearted affair, while the trio saunters through an easygoing take of “Bouncing with Bud.” Hazeltine’s dexterity is put to the test with a brisk rendition of “Dance of the Infidels,” while his lyrical approach to the ballad “I’ll Keep Loving You” also merits praise. Some of Powell’s less frequently performed numbers are also explored, including the playful “Danceland” that showcases Hazeltine’s partners at length, along with a breezy Latin-flavored setting of “Cleopatra’s Dream”. The disc wraps with “This One’s for Bud”, a fine salute to Powell by the pianist.

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Title: David Hazeltine Trio – Alice In Wonderland (2004) [Japan 2014]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

David Hazeltine, in the tradition of Parker, works within and across the constrains of bebop, and arcs toward the aesthetic of consonance rather than dissonance: reaching toward beauty in harmony, melody, rhythm and never straying too deeply from his roots. He is particularly influenced by Parker, Rollins, Bud Powell and early Miles Davis. Although seemingly hard-line about the tradition, Hazeltine has done an impressive amount of innovation and is a gifted arranger and composer. On this, Japan only release, Hazeltine is joined by George Mraz on bass and Billy Drummond on drums. Today a major pianist in the New York and Japan scenes, David Hazeltine has been playing gigs since he was thirteen. He did not seriously consider going into music until right before college. Once he entered into the jazz world he was encouraged by Chet Baker who told him to go to New York. He has played and recorded with Jon Hendricks, Louis Hayes, and One for All. Although he is a pianist he feels more influenced by saxophonists, particularly Charlie Parker.
David Hazeltine evidently salutes pianist Bill Evans on this Venus release, as eight of the nine songs were recorded by Evans for Riverside and the late pianist’s influence is definitely a part of Hazeltine’s style (though the Japanese liner notes make it difficult to confirm for sure). Accompanied by two sympathetic musicians, bassist George Mraz and drummer Billy Drummond, Hazeltine’s interpretations of standards like “Beautiful Love,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “When You Wish Upon a Star” are lyrical and to the point. The lively setting of “How Deep Is the Ocean” and loping treatment of “Tenderly” also merit praise. Hazeltine’s sole composition is “For Bill”, a fluid piece that is also reminiscent of Bill Evans’ approach to the piano and writing. Summary is a beautifully recorded album!

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