Cheap Songs Without Words (Music) (Fred Hersch) Price

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Customer Reviews of Songs Without Words

What More Can I Say. . . ?
The previous reviews are right on target. This is a superb collection of diverse songs by diverse composers. Hersch shows his composing chops on the first disc with a gorgeous array of songs. He has played other people's songs so well for so long that it's only fair to let him play a few of his own. The standards on the second disc are by a pretty impressive lineup: Monk, Ellington, Gillespie, Shorter, Wheeler, Mingus, among others. Did he leave anyone out? Great original takes on these otherwise "standard" melodies. The third disc, Cole Porter tunes, calls to mind his Rogers and Hammerstein or Billy Strayhorn tribute discs, both equally great! Hersch has a way of putting his own stamp on songs and melodies that we should already be familiar with.

Bottom line: I love Fred Hersch's playing. He has a beautifully melodic and lyrical approach to playing these songs, whether they are his own or the compositions of others. Other jazz pianist may have more flash, but few, if any, have more substance.

p.s. Unlike a couple of reviewers down, I'd still give the edge to Keith Jarret . . . but not by much. . . !

an essential example of piano jazz
fred hersch is a stylist, pure and simple. the three discs herein show us the complex nature of mr. hersch's approach to jazz piano, at times exploring classical forms, at times a bill evans introspection, and at times a monkish swing. the first disc tackles a classical song cycle exploring six different styles of song. mr. hersch seems to have fun with each song, exploring and pulling the form in a way that is intellectual, but at the same time free and easy. this disc closes with some revisiting to songs recorded earlier in his career, each thoughtfully reminiscent, but also fresh--like a good conversation with an old friend. disc 2 is a mix of standards and originals in straight ahead jazz forms. again, the solo piano work is amazing. here mr. hersch takes a decidedly bill evans turn exploring the song within the song. he pulls the listener inward, but in a completely fascinating way leaving you wondering just where he is headed. highlights here are "caravan", "whisper not", and "mood indigo." the final disc brings the two approaches together as mr. hersch explores the cole porter songbook. jazz has built up a repertoire over the last half century, and cole porter sits in the middle of it. mr. hersch, then, takes a classical turn at the collection, recreating the original form and feel of each song, but simultaneously swings and improvises on the themes presented. it is simply masterful. occasionally, mr. hersch is accompanied by one or two players, but overall this is a solo collection. the only beef, if you could complain about having too much of a good thing, is the size of the collection. it's... worth the price. enjoy!