by Scott Yanow
Playing at Maybeck Recital Hall before a small but attentive crowd seems to bring out the best in many pianists. Stanley Cowell performs a well-planned program of 14 selections on this 1990 CD. On a two-minute &Softly as in a Morning Sunrise,& Cowell runs through all twelve keys. He pays tribute to the stride-piano tradition on &Stompin' at the Savoy,& explores some bop, Latin-jazz (a transformed &Autumn Leaves&) and post bop music, plays &Jitterbug Waltz& in the style of Art Tatum, inteprets &Stella by Starlight& in 5/4 time and performs J.J. Johnson's &Lament& with just his left hand. A very interesting recital.