SLAMCD293 Howard Riley – To Be Continued

‘To Be Continued’ is a 2013 solo piano recording by UK jazz pianist and composer Howard Riley, who has been acclaimed by The Guardian for his “powerful technique and profound knowledge of both classical and jazz music.” Among his own compositions and improvisations he includes one song from ‘The Great American Songbook’ – Jerome Kern‘s “The Folks Who Live on The Hill”.

Howard Riley gives an insight into the album in the sleeve notes “This recording is my first in a studio for three years. The Lithuanian label NoBusiness has released live recordings during that period, so when SLAM suggested a studio date I was happy to accept.

Conceptually I decided to simply let the recording reflect my current musical situation, which in turn led me to the album title.

In recent years specific projects have become fashionable, but for me the most rewarding project has always been the long-term development of musical identity.”

Howard Riley: piano

“Reveals a pianist who has further pared away excess but continues to focus or dwell on the framework of a piece. The Monk presence remains in subtle nuances but Riley is most definitely his own man and deserves to be celebrated now, not in hindsight. Now that Stan Tracey has died one supposes Howard Riley is the dean of British jazz piano, an accolade well deserved. Riley has been heavily recorded, this recording is his latest adventure, do yourself a favour and join the adventure.” – Zim Tarro, Cadence

“Howard Riley is one of the contemporary greats of piano improvisation. As producer George Haslam puts it, he’s a thinker, and clearly thought long and hard before going into the studio on this occasion. The result is a set of improvisations that show his characteristic spontaneity, freedom and lyricism ïn a combination that’s none too common, as “free” is often interpreted as implying “abrasive and unlyrical”…a thoroughly engrossing and compelling release, one that listeners will return to often.” – Andy Hamilton, Jazz Journal

“If you love solo piano, Howard’s keyboards will thrill you to no end; he’s a unique player, to be sure, the entire orchestra is within his range, & jazz combos are a breeze especially on tunes like the totally bluesy “The Folks Who Live On The Hill”, by Jerone Kern you get the full spectrum/range on just one 7-minute tune…As a keyboard player, I can tell you (without qualification) that Howard is one of the best pianists I’ve heard.” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvisation Nation

“Lovely and ruminating pieces such as “Descending Thoughts” and the title track have a charming grace about them, while there’s an inquisitiveness to his touch on “East West” that takes you on clever journeys. Shadowy figures are illuminated on “Haunted” while he gets playful with both hands on “Two Part Invention.” A reading of “The Folks Who Live On The Hill” is subtle and alluring, while his use of space is prismatic on “Just Maybe.” Well conceived!” – George W Harris, Jazz News

All compositions by Howard Riley except track 5 by Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II
Recording: 19th June 2013 at Porcupine Studios, London
Engineer: Nick Taylor

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