Renaissance of a Jazz Master (Digital Only)

Gene DiNovi was a promising jazz pianist during the heart of the bop era who chose the security of working in Hollywood and backing pop singers to provide a stable income to support his family. Following his move to Toronto, he sought to rebuild his jazz career and this 1993 studio session with Canadians Dave Young on bass and drummer Terry Clarke clearly signals that time hasn't stood still for this keyboardist. His primary focus is on timeless standards and show tunes by legendary composers and , adding a hilarious detour into Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't" in the midst of a brisk rendition of "A Cockeyed Optimist," while finding new emotional depth in a chestnut like "My Old Flame." His dramatic take of Johnny Carisi's "Springsville" will turn a few heads. DiNovi's originals are every bit as enjoyable. "Budding Memories" is a playful salute to Bud Powell, while "Elegy" is a sauntering bop line. "Have a Heart" is an overlooked gem with lyrics by the late great Johnny Mercer, though the pianist has been known to sing in the studio, this ballad is played as an instrumental. Highly recommended!