by David R. Adler
Piano is Bobby Short's first recording for the audiophile label Surrounded by Entertainment. (He recorded for Telarc throughout the '90s.) As the title suggests, the cabaret/jazz legend tickles the ivories but does not sing, except on &Maybe& and &Smiles.& On most songs he's backed by a tasteful combo, featuring guitarist Howard Alden, bassist Frank Tate, and drummer Klaus Suonsaari, with trumpeter John Eckert soloing on four occasions. Short likes to perform Ellington unaccompanied (&Mood Indigo,& &Lonely Co-ed&). He gives Strayhorn multiple nods as well (&Isfahan,& &After All,& &Lotus Blossom/&Warm Valley&), and salutes Monk with a stately solo version of &'Round Midnight.& Other highlights include a shimmying, almost campy &When Johnny Comes Marching Home& and a peppy samba take on &Remember.& Short's playing is restrained and unassuming; his voice may be a bit frail and throaty at this point, but it's still inimitable.