Artist: Howard Riley
Title: More Listening, More Hearing
Cat Number: SLAMCD2109
Label, Year Released: SLAM Productions, 2020
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5028386713326
BUY CD, DOWNLOAD & STREAMING OPTIONS
The great Howard Riley takes further his 30-year association with SLAM with a sequel to his 2018 release ‘Listen to Hear’, recorded on the same piano at the same studio.
The programming is typical Riley – impromptu improvisations with the inclusion of the odd standard, this time a couple of takes on ‘Long Ago and Far Away’.
Recorded 2019 at Porcupine Studios, London.
Howard Riley: solo piano
“Riley’s association with Slam has been very fruitful, and he described it as “one of my longest and best connections on the record front”. This session, recorded at his favoured Porcupine Studios by Nick Taylor, is a fine addition to the catalogue, further graced by characteristically perceptive and enlightening notes by JJ’s own Brian Morton.” – ★★★★ Barry Witherden, Jazz Journal
“Pianist Howard Riley gives a gorgeous solo recital on this collection of twelve ideas. He does two reads of the standard “Long Ago and Far Away” with each shining with different and clever charms. His own touch displays a deft stride on “Feelings Allowed” and warm pulsations on “As It Was” with some high pitches on “Clip It”. A nice bopper “both Hands” and reflective “Line Play” display a romantic heart. This guy’s got a sensitive and alluring grasp of musicality.” – George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
“No matter how free, these pieces never lose their robust structures and each exhibits a vibrant and distinct sensation of conclusion – of a trip, maybe, but a terminus has been reached. Riley’s ‘trip’, his journey, is I feel far from over and he is at the peak of his creative force. His attack at the piano is confident, yet elegant; his touch calm and graceful; his journey discrete. This is a truly remarkable album.” – Ken Cheetham, Jazz Views
“I can almost hear Mr. Riley thinking, taking his time, slowly stretching things out, concentrating on certain phrases, starting in a moderate tempo and slowly building, increasing in intensity, bit by bit. The one cover here, “Long Ago and Far Away” was first recorded by Mr Riley for one of his first trio dates, more than fifty years ago. It is a lovely ballad and is played with restrained grace…This is a subtle gem of the more modest kind.” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery
All compositions by Howard Riley except “Long Ago and Far Away” by Jerome Kern
Recorded 5 July 2019 at Porcupine Studios, London by Nick Taylor
Photos by Ray Buckland
Artwork by Andy Isham