On this solo album, pianist Roger Kellaway’s keyboard expertise is matched by his inventive versatility. The 12 tracks, recorded live in 1987 at the Vineyard Theatre in New York City, begin with five lyrical pieces. But the album isn’t all steamy- dreamy.
To start his concert, Kellaway fills “You Took Advantage of Me” with impressive arpeggios, and infuses Louis Armstrong’s “Lazy ‘Sippi Steamer Goin’ Home” with melancholia. “Emily” is reverently rhapsodic, and dual homages to Ellington of “Creole Love Call” and “Sophisticated Lady” are eloquently elegant.
Kellaway then charges into a rollicking romp through “Remember You,” a chart reminiscent of his theme for TV’s All in the Family. He playfully plugs in stride work on “When I Grow Too Old to Dream.” In contrast, “Jorjana” and “I’m Still in Love With You” are moving and intense. The album closes with a new-agey appeal, “Un Canto per la Pace (A Song for Peace).” Richly diverse and satisfying throughout.
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