Legendary Chicago pianist Willie Pickens hasn’t recorded much, so this reissue of 1980s material is a welcome addition. Pickens piano playing is dense and intense, and he builds his performances with textural variations that logically progress and maintain interest.
The album consists of a 1987 studio date, the original LP, in a trio with Dan Shapera on bass and Robert Shy, drums, performing extended versions of jazz and popular standards with verve. The CD is augmented by live solo performance tracks from the 1981 “Chicago Piano Greats” concert series, including dynamic, Tatumesque Ellington, Satie, and Chopin; and a lively “Straight No Chaser” from the 1986 Chicago Jazz Festival.
Willie Pickens: It’s About Time!
JazzTimes may earn a small commission if you buy something using one of the retail links in our articles. JazzTimes does not accept money for any editorial recommendations. Read more about our policy here. Thanks for supporting JazzTimes.
