Marian McPartland - Twilight World

Concord Jazz is proud to present Twilight World, by jazz legend Marian McPartland. Twenty-one albums in 29 years at one label is a feat unto itself - when combined with 29 years at the helm of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz, the longest running cultural program on NPR, you are marking an extraordinary achievement in jazz history. This auspicious date precedes by nine days the 90th birthday of the incomparable pianist and award-winning radio host, whose legacy of achievement and advocacy on behalf of up-and-coming artists has long established her as an invaluable figure in modern culture.

Recorded with her longtime associates, bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and drummer Glenn Davis, Twilight World is a supreme addition to a catalog already rich with historically and musically significant recordings.

Mixing familiar standards and original material, Twilight World exemplifies the classic values of interpretive performance, in which McPartland demonstrates the elusive art of serving the song through improvisation with her unique combination of feeling, invention, and experience. Pianist and frequent Piano Jazz guest Bill Charlap has said that, "MM is a harmonic genius. Her singular musical voice encompasses the past, present and future of jazz." Her facile touch is present throughout this sumptuous ballad-centric program.

"I'm so happy to have done this album," she says. "It's nice to have something you're this happy with at this stage of life." Album Description

Marian still super!

This is a marvelous collection of offerings by the still-wonderful Miss McPartland. Her ingenuity and her nimble fingers make this a must-listen for her many admirers. I shall treasure it and continue to enjoy it for always -- May 2, 2008

I LOVE THIS! WOW! A MUST HAVE!

I saw Marian McPartland live during the summer of 2007 here in Vermont USA. It had been several years since I saw her live in Chicago. She is still sharp as a tack and witty as ever. During this concert last summer, I heard her composition "Twilight World" for the first time. I immediately fell in love with the tune. The tune, "Twilight World", just like the words, has 3 syllables. Marian starts out with three notes which are these three syllables and then paints on a canvas of what a "Twilight World" is: ethereal, soft lighted, transitional, sad, lamenting but hopeful of what is next. When I arrived home from the concert that evening I went nuts searching the Internet for the tune and now its here on this CD. Although, in her introduction to the tune at the live concert, she mentioned that Tony Bennett has done a rendition of the tune. When this CD was delivered to my home in the usual cellophane wrap, there was a red sticker on it that reads that its a celebration of Marian's 90th birthday! Wow! I hope I am still going this strong at 90! Other tracks on the CD are wonderful and I especially enjoyed "Alfie" as well.

THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES JAZZ PIANO BY ONE OF THE MASTERS OF THE CRAFT! April 13, 2008

The Lady Plays

Marian McPartland's elegant jazz piano playing reminds me of why I became a musician. Her sensitive touch connects the gap between sensitivity and strength--she plays with conviction and vulnerability, wit and earnestness, innocence and maturity--reflecting, in musical terms, the radio personality so many of us have come to know and love.

Marian's exuberance for all things musical will charm anyone lucky enough to listen to Twilight World, a lovely recording that manages to be both timeless and unique. If you're a fan of her work, Twilight World will be a welcome addition to your MM collection. If you're new to Marian's music, welcome to the club!

Two years ago, Marian invited me to be a guest on NPR's Piano Jazz. The following lyric is from a song I wrote for her program. Somehow it seems appropriate to include it in this review. By the way, Marian recently turned 90. As pianist Daryl Sherman once said, Marian is one of the wonders of the world.

The Lady Plays

The lady plays a simple phrase,
And all at once you hear music,
A silver note, aloft, afloat,
And so she plays.

A melody, so gracefully,
She gets inside of the music,
A song that bends, but never ends,
And so she plays.

Shadows and sketches,
In black and white,
Passionate paintings,
Portraits of light . . .

A perfect chord, she jumps on board,
And sails away with the music,
A symphony that ebbs and flows,
She plays the blues, you tap your toes,
And so she plays your favorite part,
She makes you laugh, she breaks your heart,
And so she plays,
And still she plays,
The lady plays.

Robin Goldsby is the author of Piano Girl: A Memoir. She is also featured on NPR Jazz Christmas With Marian McPartland and Friends III and has recorded two CDs of her own music: Songs from the Castle and Twilight
March 21, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...