JANUARY 1-2

                RICHARD GALLIANO

                Ruby, My Dear

         

                   Recording Date:

                       January 1, 2004

                   Personnel:

                       Richard Galliano  AC

                       Larry Grenadier   B

                       Clarence Penn     D

                  Link retired

Review by Scott Yanow

There are two types of accordionists in jazz: Richard Galliano and everyone else. Galliano plays his instrument with the fluidity and looseness of a saxophonist, the technique of a classical pianist, and the individuality of a singer. Few are close to being on his level. The Ruby, My Dear sessions find Galliano in New York, interacting with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Clarence Penn. While the intriguing repertoire includes a tango, a couple of jazz standards ("Ruby, My Dear" and Oscar Pettiford's "Bohemia After Dark"), and a piece by Erik Satie, Galliano's five originals really showcase his playing the best, letting him stretch out over intriguing chord changes. Richard Galliano has made quite a few excellent recordings for Dreyfus; Ruby, My Dear is an excellent place for one to start in discovering his musical talents.

                  LESTER YOUNG
                   Live in Europe

                  Recording Date:
                     January 2, 1957

                  Personnel:
                     Lester Young      TS
                     Rene Urteger      P
                     Pierre Michelot   B
                     Christian Garros  D

                Link retired

- Polka Dots And Moonbeams (Burke-Van Heusen) 2:29

- Lester Leaps In (Young) 1:53

These tracks may be identical with the respective titles on “Pres in Europe” (Highnote). Personnel would then be: Young ts; René Urtreger p; Pierre Michelot b; Christian Garros d