by Linda Kohanov
Aaberg calls this the first Windham Hill dance record. Upbeat toe-tappers are complemented by graceful slow numbers.
&Upright& showcases Aaberg's technical dexterity and prowess on his chosen instrument, as well as his melodic gift and superior songwriting. I can easily state that he is the most well rounded pianist I have ever heard and this album stands as my personal favorite. The compositions are top notch and the improvs hold up extremely well amongst the written material.
Drumming maestro Vinnie Colaiuta shines on the five tracks he plays on. Admittedly, Vinnie's participation in this recording was what first prompted me to purchase it. But obviously I was highly impressed with Aaberg's playing and writing. Soon I was aquiring more and more of Aaberg's output (to date, forty one discs that feature his playing) and all of them are worth having in one's collection.