Joe Bonner Impressions Of Copenhagen

180g High Quality Pressing!
Re-mastering by Ray Staff at Air Mastering!
Bonus Track "Lush Life" Not On The Original Release!
Originally released by Theresa in 1981, this frequently exquisite set features the McCoy Tyner-inspired piano of Joe Bonner on four originals, Cal Massey's "Quiet Dawn" and "Lush Life". Bonner and a rhythm section are joined by a string quartet, trumpet, trombone, and flutist Holly Hofmann (the leader provided the arrangements) for music that is both lyrical and often passionate. Bonner is an underrated talent, and this is one of his finest recordings. - by Scott Yanow
Bonner is only the second-most famous pianist born in Rocky Mount, N.C., behind Thelonious Monk. It's indicative of Bonner's lack of fame and appreciation that Monk is listed as a notable resident on Rocky Mount's Wikipedia page, but Bonner is not.
But the pianist Bonner was most often compared to was not Monk but McCoy Tyner. Scott Yanow's allmusic.com review of Impressions of Copenhagen said Bonner's piano playing was "McCoy Tyner-inspired." Bonner's admittedly biased drummer, Tom Tilton, even felt Bonner surpassed Tyner. "Joe Bonner has all the power of McCoy, he has all the capability of McCoy, but he's so much more romantic," Tilton said, according to westword.com. "I mean, I've been there time after time where there were tears running down people's faces when he would play a ballad. He could captivate a room like nobody I've ever experienced before."
Bonner did most of his playing over the last two decades in Denver, where he was beloved and appreciated. Even Gov. John Hickenlooper was a Bonner fan. "He was without question, the most talented piano player I've ever heard," the governor told the website heyreverb.com in a remembrance of Bonner. "... I want people to know that I loved Joe Bonner."

Features:

• 180g Vinyl
• Re-mastering by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London
• Recorded at Northstar Studios, Boulder, Colorado, 1981
• Bonus Track "Lush Life" not on the original release
• Made in the UK

Musicians:

• Joseph Bonner, piano, chimes
• Paul Warburton, bass
• J. Thomas Tilton, drums
• Holly Hofmann, flute
• Gary Olson, trombone
• Eddie Shu, trumpet
• Carol Garrett, viola
• Carol Michalowski, violin [1st]
• Peggy Sullivan, violin [2nd]
• Beverly Woolery, cello

Selections:

Side A
1. Impressions Of Copenhagen/R.V.
2. The Northstar
3. I'll Say No This Time
Side B
1. Quiet Dawn
2. Why Am I Here?
3. Lush Life (Bonus Track)