Various Artists: Lion On the Keys: Lions Abroad Volume 2

Traditionally honored as the symbol of Britain’s invincibility as a warring nation, the lion was further ennobled in 1966, when Alan Bates’ Black Lion label released a double album of solos by Willie “The Lion” Smith, one of the foremost masters of stride piano. In the years since, Bates has issued many other albums devoted to jazz pianists, both in solo performance and in trio settings, and in this aptly named anthology we find an appealing assemblage of both pacesetting originators and newer lights of more modern persuasions. Quite appropriately, the set opens with five classic Art Tatum V-Disc tracks from the mid-’40s, which lead seamlessly into two sparkling medium-tempo tunes by Teddy Wilson. These in turn are followed by three numbers each from Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, with the former so effusive in his self-absorbed, palpably manic vocalizing that he virtually overpowers his far more important work at the piano, unfortunately here an ill-tended barroom fixture that only his genius could bring into line. By comparison, Monk seems almost conservative, though no less incisive.

The younger pianists represented here are Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim), Randy Weston, Tete Montoliu, Hampton Hawes, Paul They, and Dave Burrell, all devotees to one degree elders, in which group should also be included Hines, Waller, Ellington, and Basie. With the exception of the Tatums V-Discs, all of the performances were recorded between 1964 and 1973, with the majority of them originating in Europe. Collectors should note that all of the tracks are also available on single artist CDs issued under the names of the individual pianists. For the benefit of those who wish to pursue the matter more thoroughly, the source releases are indicated by both name and catalog number.

Originally Published March 1, 1997