Eugene Maslov – piano, synth
Eddie Gomez – bass (all tracks except 4, 10)
Chuck Deardorf – bass (tracks 4 & 10)
Willie Jones – drums (all tracks except 2, 4,7 &10)
Steve Williams – drums (tracks 4 & 10)
George Schuller – drums (tracks 2 & 7)
Guests Shirley Horn (tracks 4 & 10)
Toots Thielman (tracks 2 & 7)
A new name for me, but Eugene Maslov is a very fine performer,
he was classically trained and he is of Russian origin, but
he has certainly absorbed the essence of great jazz piano playing.
The classical training has provided the amazing technique, but
as we know in the jazz world, that counts for little if you
have no feeling for jazz. Whether Eugene is playing the music
of Herbie Hancock or swinging on an old standard, this is jazz
piano of its very best. The guest artists, Toots Thielman on
harmonica and the redoubtable Shirley Horn, who is probably
the finest living jazz female vocalist, add to the quality of
the record.
The programme is also excellent, a nice collection of differing
content, but most importantly each one beautifully played. It
is of course true that the best pianists always attract the
best bass players and the best drummers and this is the case
here, Eugene is very well supported in that respect.
Seven Steps to Heaven, the Miles Davis/Victor Feldman composition
is one of the finest tracks here, although I found all of them
most enjoyable.
Groove Merchant by Jerome Richardson if a nice funky track
with a sort of ‘down home’ feel about it. Through Russina Eyes
is a very pleasant Maslov original, with a light Latin feel.
The last track brings back Shirley Horn she seems to just get
better and better!
This is an excellent record, which I highly recommend to all
lovers of great jazz piano.
Don Mather
CD Reviews
Mack
Avenue Records MAC 10002
