Steve Kuhn Trio Plays Standards (2 LP)

Venus Masterpiece Collection Limited Edition 180g Vinyl Double LP!
The sensational comeback of the experienced pianist Steve Kuhn has been extensively documented by his numerous releases on Venus Records. Kuhn, who was 68 years old at the time of this recording, seems to be even more energetic and vital as he gets older, complementing his intellectual approach and lyricism with a stronger sense of swing and drive. Together with veterans Buster Williams on bass and Al Foster on drums, Kuhn is at the zenith of his creativity on "Plays Standards": In the tradition of Venus Records, the trio takes up well-known jazz standards and breathes new, powerful life into them with fresh ideas and irrepressible energy. The album, recorded on August 30 and 31, 2006 in "The Studio", New York (USA), was produced by Todd Barkan and mixed and mastered by legendary producer Tetsuo Hara.
Ken Dryden of AllMusic writes: Although the recording is titled "Plays Standards", Kuhn does not limit himself exclusively to well-known works. In addition to Victor Young's well-known "Beautiful Love" (a favorite of pianist Bill Evans), the pianist offers a seductive rendition of the composer's "Golden Earrings" and a light-hearted, airy version of "Love Letters." Kuhn's intense arrangement of "Alone Together" includes an amusing detour to Thelonious Monk's "Locomotive", while his reinterpretation of "Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise" distorts the melody very well. Kuhn also reprises his original "Oceans In The Sky", a brilliant piece reminiscent of an approaching storm. Highly recommended!"
Venus Records was founded in Japan in 1992 by Tetsuo Hara, who had previously worked as a producer for RCA Victor. The label uses a special mastering process called "Hyper Magnum Sound" for the strictly limited double LP of "Plays Standards", which is cut at 33 rpm and pressed on 180 gram vinyl, which produces a powerful, present sound and is highly appreciated by audiophiles worldwide. A small note: Venus LPs are only pressed once. If the edition is out of print, the corresponding title will be deleted from the catalogue and no longer reproduced. Collectors should therefore not wait too long to order: The releases from the "Venus Masterpiece Collection" are particularly popular!
Venus LPs are pressed only once. After the first edition has been sold, the titles will be removed from the catalogue. Collectors should therefore consider buying in good time.

Features:

• Limited Edition
• Venus Masterpiece LP Collection
• 180g Vinyl
• Double LP
• Mixed & Mastered by Tetsuo Hara
• Venus Hyper Magnum Sound Direct Mix Stereo
• Gatefold Jacket
• OBI Strip
• Made in Japan

Musicians:

• Steve Kuhn, piano
• David Finck, bass
• Billy Drummond, drums

Selections:

Side A
1. Golden Earrings
2. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
3. I See Your Face Before Me
Side B
1. Alone Together
2. Blue Bossa
3. Left Alone
Side C
1. I Wish I Knew
2. Nature Boy
3. You Leave Me Breathless
Side D
1. Oceans In The Sky
2. Beautiful Love
3. Love Letters