New York Trio Blues in the Night (2 LP)

Venus Masterpiece Collection Limited Edition 180g Vinyl Double LP!
After Bill Charlap was rediscovered by Venus Records with his wonderful debut album "'S Wonderful", Blue Note immediately took notice of him. Charlap signed a lucrative exclusive contract with Blue Note, which prohibited him from publishing his name on all albums later released by the Japanese label due to his clauses. This explains the name "New York Trio" that appears on the cover of this album. The New York Trio has recorded a total of six albums for Venus Records. The beautiful "Blues In The Night" is the debut of this great series. In his career, pianist Bill Charlap has already played with jazz icons such as Tony Bennett, Benny Carter and Gerry Mulligan and recorded a whole series of albums as a bandleader, which were very well received by audiences and critics. Together with bassist and singer-songwriter Jay Leonhart, who has performed with Marian McPartland, Louie Bellson, Lee Konitz and many other great musicians, and drummer Bill Stewart, who has already shared the stage with jazz guitarist John Scofield, saxophonist Maceo Parker and R&B legend James Brown, Charlap has recorded terrific trio albums - including "Blues In The Night", on which the three musicians interpret seven ballads from the Great American Songbook.
But make no mistake. This is Bill Charlap's trio. And what a trio! Veteran Jay Leonhart's bass sounds deep, lyrical and authoritative, and cutting-edge drummer Bill Stewart's surprisingly traditional drumming brings a unique tension to this group. This unusual trio has recorded six albums for Venus Records at the pace of one each year, and this is their first of the celebrated series.
One of the best interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Charlap dazzles us with his beautiful touch and tone, faithful rendering of original melodies and subtle addition of modern sensibilities. Selections are mostly medium to slow tempo ballads. As the title suggests, this is clearly music for the night.
Bill Charlap, considered by many to be one of the best performers of the Great American Songbook, delights with a truly enchanting phrasing and sonic palette, complemented by a deep sensitivity. Jay Leonhart plays with great authority and elicits wonderfully lyrical tones from his double bass, while the surprisingly traditional style of drummer Bill Stewart keeps the overall structure in balance. The album, recorded on June 7 and 8, 2001 in New York at "The Studio", was produced by Todd Barkan and Tetsuo Hara and mixed and mastered by Tetsuo Hara and Shuji Kitamura.
Venus Records was founded in Japan in 1992 by Tetsuo Hara, who had previously worked as a producer for RCA Victor. The renowned label uses a special mastering process called "Hyper Magnum Sound" for the strictly limited double LP of "Blues In The Night", cut at 33 rpm and pressed on 180 gram vinyl, which creates a powerful, present sound and is highly appreciated by audiophiles worldwide. A little hint: Venus LP reissues are only pressed once. If this 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.
"One of the most promising pianists of his generation... highly recommended." - Ken Dryden, AllMusic

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:

• Bill Charlap, piano
• Jay Leonhart, bass
• Bill Stewart, drums

Selections: