Denny Zeitlin Albums (14)
What The Critics Say
A brilliant pianist influenced by his contemporary Bill Evans but long having his own approach to modern mainstream jazz, Denny Zeitlin performs solo on this disc, sometimes augmenting his piano with an atmospheric synthesizer. He performs two standards and three originals (including the free improvisation "Walking, Prancing, Marching, Dancing" and his well-known "Quiet Now") to start off the date. The remainder is the eight-part "Solo Voyage," which was put together for a dying friend. It consists of three standards, three preludes or interludes, and the two sections of "Moving Parts." Much of the music is played out of tempo and is quite thoughtful, succeeding both as background music and for close listening. Zeitlin sounds creative throughout this fine project. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Denny Zeitlin has worked with various trios over his long career and he has likely found the ideal rhythm section with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson. It doesn't take long for them to break away from the predictable path through "You and the Night and the Music," as each of them finds adventurous lines within their respective roles. "Put Your Little Foot Out," forever associated with Miles Davis, is transformed into a slow waltz with a bit of dark undertone. Zeitlin adds a touch of mystery with his unusual introduction to "It Could Happen to You," taking his time to gradually work into its theme. His odd rhythmic approach is achieved by constantly shifting the meter, as well as the numerous shifts in the key, setting it well apart from other interpretations. The pianist's moving solo improvisation segues into the standard "Body and Soul," which he also re-harmonizes. Zeitlin is equally creative as a composer. This is his first recording of "Just Passing By" to include a drummer, though Wilson sticks to brushes to add a jaunty air not present in previous renditions. But the highlight of this CD is the brilliant four part suite "Slickrock," named for a favorite mountain biking trail which Zeitlin and his wife enjoy. "Dawn: Gathering" suggests the challenges ahead, mixing composed passages with free improvisation. The wild ride begins with the roller coaster "On the Trail," with Williams' powerful solo suggesting regular obstacles integrated with the pianist's hairpin turns. "Recovery" gives the musicians a chance to catch their collective breath, though the journey is hardly over, as Williams' tense arco bass, "Wilson"'s insistent hand percussion, and the leader's mix of played and strummed piano chords indicate. "On the Trial Again" reprises the second movement, punctuated by Wilson's brilliant percussion backed by Zeitlin's vamp, leaving the listener almost as out of breath as a biker completing a trip through the actual trail itself. "Slickrock" alone makes the investment in this Denny Zeitlin CD worthwhile, though every track proves to be equally memorable. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'As Long As There's Music'
Release Date 12/5/1997
Tracks 10
Label Venus
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What The Critics Say
The part-time nature of Denny Zeitlin's music career hasn't harmed his pianistic abilities one iota, as this trio date for the discerning Japanese market demonstrates. Beautifully recorded, with world-class support from Buster Williams (bass) and Al Foster (drums), the album is mostly set in the thoughtful, harmonically complex idiom now identified with Bill Evans but with outbreaks of swinging fervor. There are two original Zeitlin tunes -- "There and Back," with a definite Evans flavor, and the more unpredictable wanderings of "Canyon." The rest of the tunes are Great American Songbook favorites, jazz standards (Zeitlin is particularly inventive and swinging on John Coltrane's modified blues "Cousin Mary"), and the traditional token bossa nova (A.C. Jobim's "Triste"). A conservative record, yet quite beautiful. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Because he earns his main living as a psychiatrist, pianist Denny Zeitlin has only recorded on an irregular basis since his initial emergence on the jazz scene in 1964. In fact, other than obscure efforts for the Double Helix and 1750 Arch labels in the 1970s, this LP was Zeitlin's first recording as a leader since 1967. Fortunately, the pianist had stayed in top musical form, as can be heard on a well-rounded set which consists of five Zeitlin compositions plus Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" and Charlie Parker's "Billie's Bounce." The latter song, taken as a piano solo, dates from 1981, while the remainder of the program (duets, trios and quartets with guitarist John Abercrombie, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Peter Donald) has plenty of advanced but straight-ahead swinging. Worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Pianist Denny Zeitlin's first of two albums for Windham Hill Jazz shows off his roots in Bill Evans along with his own musical personality. Teamed up with bassist Joel DiBartolo and drummer Peter Donald, Zeitlin is in superior form on five of his originals, Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Porkpie Hat," "All The Things You Are," J.J. Johnson's "Lament" and Ornette Coleman's "Turnaround." An excellent all-around showcase for the part-time pianist who holds a day job as a psychiatrist. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This enjoyable effort, one of pianist Denny Zeitlin's infrequent recordings, has four trio selections recorded with bassist Joel DiBartolo and drummer Peter Donald (the other performances from the same sessions comprise Zeitlin's earlier Windham Hill Jazz release Trio) plus four 1989 duets with bassist David Friesen. Six Zeitlin originals are joined by Friesen's "Underlying," Ornette Coleman's obscure "Broadway Blues" and the standard "Blues In The Night." Harmonically advanced and thought-provoking yet mostly swinging music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Time Remembers One Time Once'
Release Date 1/1/1983
Tracks 8
Label ECM
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What The Critics Say
Denny Zeitlin and Charlie Haden joined forces for this 1981 date at the Keystone Korner, covering a wide range of material in this exciting duo set. Haden's "Chairman Mao" is a complex number, as Haden opens with an intense repetitious vamp before Zeitlin enters with the delicate Oriental-flavored theme, which sets up Haden's intricate bass solo. The duo has lots of fun with Ornette Coleman's topsy-turvy blues "Bird Food" before reverting to a lovely standard ballad, "As Long As There's Music," with an added emphasis on its lyricism. Zeitlin's intriguing "Time Remembers One Time Once" starts as a waltz but its sudden turns defy prediction. Their laid-back approach to "Love for Sale" is refreshing, especially when compared to the typically up-tempo arrangements heard all too often. A medley of John Coltrane's "Satellite" and the old warhorse "How High the Moon" (with Haden coyly interpolating Charlie Parker's "Ornithology," which is based upon "How High the Moon") also works beautifully. The occasional over-modulation in this recording doesn't detract from the outstanding performances and this CD should be essential for fans of either Denny Zeitlin and/or Charlie Haden. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Soundings is one of Denny Zeitlin's most adventurous recordings, which consists of solo piano improvisations recorded both in concert and the studio. The longest piece, "Gulf Stream," also proves to the most interesting, a loping waltz that eventually transforms into a brisk bossa nova. "The Edge" is far darker and turbulent, with an emphasis on his left hand. "Through the Arcade" is a happy, striding song. "Whistle Stop" hints at Zeitlin's classical studies, though it is clearly in the avant-garde camp. A portion of "Prelude and Groove" seems to foreshadow his later composition "Brazilian Street Dance." "Things Inside" features Zeitlin strumming and plucking the piano strings. It wouldn't be surprising to learn that an enterprising jazz piano student has transcribed some of these brilliant improvisations. Finding a copy of this long out of print LP, recorded for the now defunct 1750 Arch label, will be challenging. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Denny Zeitlin's fourth Columbia record has a pair of studio sessions featuring two separate trios, but both show his growing interest in abstract arrangements; the music is so exciting that one could believe it was recorded before a live audience if not for the pristine sound. Charlie Haden and Jerry Granelli join him on the pianist's long free piece "Mirage." After replacing them with bassist Joe Halpin and drummer Oliver Johnson, Zeitlin packs a powerful wallop with an aggressive dissonant take of "I Got Rhythm." Briefly available as a reissue in the 1970s, this fine LP deserves to be out on CD. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Pianist Denny Zeitlin's third Columbia release is a live session recorded during a break from his internship as a psychiatrist. With bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Jerry Granelli, it's clear that Zeitlin didn't ignore his jazz chops in spite of the long hours required of him in medicine. A lively take of "St. Thomas" and a wild free improvisation around "What Is This Thing Called Love?" are notable, but the premiere of his lovely ballad "Quiet Now" (which became a favorite of Bill Evans), heard in an unusually long arrangement, and another original, "Carole's Waltz," leave the most lasting impressions. Long out of print and deserving of reissue on CD, this collectible is worth searching for far and wide. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
