Recorded in July 1977
The CD reissue includes two bonus tracks offers and much-improved sound.
Roland Hanna is one of my favorite pianists, and the 1970s were arguably his most productive years. In fact, throughout the decade, he was both incredibly prolific and incredibly consistent, making it very difficult to choose just one disc.
Since most of his recordings were made for small, non-domestic labels, some listeners might not realize how many recordings Hanna made during the 1970s. Here's a partial listing of his work as a leader & co-leader. Note that this list does not include his recordings with the New York Jazz Quartet (or his work as a sideman).
• Child of Gemini (MPS, 1971) - trio with Dave Holland & Daniel Humair
• Sir Elf (Choice, 1973) - solo
• Informal Solo (Hi-Fly, 1974); reissued as part of Free Spirits (Storyville, 2 CDs) - solo
• 1 X 1 (Toho Japan, 1974) - duo with George Mraz
• Perugia: Live at Montreux '74 (Arista Freedom, 1975) - solo
• Roland Hanna Trio (Salvation Japan, 1975) - trio with Ron Carter & Ben Riley
• 24 Preludes: Book 1 (Salvation Japan, 1976) - solo
• Porgy & Bess (Trio Japan, 1976) - duo with George Mraz
• Sunrise, Sunset (LOB Japan, 1976) - duo with George Mraz
• Time for the Dancers (Progressive, 1977); also released as At Home with Friends - trio with George Mraz & Richard Pratt
• Glove (Trio Japan, 1977) - trio with George Mraz & Motohiko Hino
• Bird Tracks: Remembering Charlie Parker (Progressive, 1978); also known as Bird Watching - solo
• 24 Preludes: Book 2 (Salvation Japan, 1978) - solo
• Play for Monk (Artists House/MHS, 1978) - duo with George Mraz
• This Must Be Love (Audiophile, 1978); also released as Rolandscape - trio with George Mraz & Ben Riley
• Impressions (Ahead/Black & Blue, 1979) - trio with Major Holley & Alan Dawson; CD bonus tracks with George Duvivier & Oliver Jackson
• Trinity (L+R, 1979) - trio with Hans Koller & Attila Zoller
• A Gift from the Magi (West 54, 1979) - solo
• Plays the Music of Alec Wilder (Inner City, 1978) - solo
• Spelman Fran Detroit (Sonet, 1979) - solo
• Swing Me No Waltzes (Storyville, 1980); reissued as part of Free Spirits (Storyville, 2 CDs) - solo
• Piano Soliloquy (L+R, 1980) - solo
With just a few exceptions, I've heard all of these. I would recommend all of them to listeners who would like to explore Sir Roland's piano playing. ... That said, I think Sir Elf + One is a sterling example of Hanna's artistry. It's a recording that captures his essential warmth and joie de vivre. Whenever I hear this music, I can't help but smile.
Sir Roland Hanna never fails to delight. Sir Elf Plus One is one of the best bass-piano duet albums in my collection, and both artists excel technically and in their communication. George Mraz appears everywhere and never disappoints (except, sadly, on some of his leader dates). He has great ears and inserts notes in all the right places and has a wonderful tone. Bass-piano duets look simple but are really challenges in concentration and communication.
ReplyDeleteI also love the trio album with Hanna, Mraz, and Ben Riley: This Must be Love.
Big fan of Hanna. I prefer his solo work, though he's reliably excellent in other settings. But he made so many fine solo albums that I only own a handful.
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