MAY 16

                FRED HERSCH
            Live at Village Vanguard
          
              Recording Date: 
                  May 16-18, 2002

              Personnel:

                  Drew Gress       B 
                  Fred Hersch      P
                  Nasheet Waits   D 

      
    







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Review by Paula Edelstein
Renowned pianist/composer Fred Hersch debuts on Palmetto Records in this classic jazz piano trio performance titled Live At The Village Vanguard. Formally released at a "live" date at the world-renowned jazz club in New York City, Hersch is joined by bassist Drew Gress and drummer Nasheet Waits. In his own words, Hersch has stated that the trio specializes in high lyricism and high danger. Truer words were never spoken as the disc opens with Thelonious Monk's "Bemsha Swing." Fred Hersch is in great form during his solo introduction before the bass and drums swing in. "Phantom of The Bopera" is a sensational bebop original that features the technical virtuosity of the trio and their ability to engage their listeners in compelling musical improvisations and conversations. The trio is really in the pocket on this one. Throughout the program, Nasheet Waits plays amazing drumlines including two outstanding solos on "Phantom of the Bopera" and Wayne Shorter's"Miyako/Black Nile" medley. He clearly shows why his is one of the better drummers of his generation. In addition to the seven originals written by Fred Hersch, the trio covers "Some Other Time" and "I'll Be Seeing You." These GAS favorites benefit from Hersch's award-winning style and shine in a pristine, new jazz environment. Live At The Village Vanguard is by far a major accomplishment for Hersch and shines just as brightly as his previous Grammy-nominated efforts.