Michael Hashim: Green Up Time: Michael Hashim Plays Kurt Weill

Subtitled Michael Hashim Plays Kurt Weill, this CD features 10 of the composer’s songs that, with the exception of “September Song,” are not well known to the general public. They receive a variety of authentic treatments-not all jazz-by such instruments as an accordion, a banjo, a toy piano and a string quartet as well as by Dennis Irwin’s bass, Kenny Washington’s drums and the leader’s alto and soprano saxes. Although many of Hashim or Wayne Barker’s arrangements project an appropriate Broadway show or German cabaret atmosphere, there are also some hardcore jazz improvisations by the leader in an eclectic style that shows the influences of such varied models as Benny Carter, perhaps Cannonball Adderley and, especially on “September Song,” Johnny Hodges. The banjo and accordion may take some getting used to, but with Irwin and Washington taking care of the pulse, the agile Hashim can make the sparks fly.

Originally Published June 1, 2002