L.a. Session Vinyl

Never before has Paul Kuhn sounded like this. Easy-going, relaxed, smart and full of surprises, he responds to the two swing luminaries and deploys all his skills and dexterities. 'Working with Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton was a wonderful experience,' he says. 'Hamilton is an unbelievable drummer with a magic capacity for dynamics. And Clayton has a really elegant style, he could also be a good cello player.' All this sums up a sublime session, full of colors with Kuhn's original compositions, 'Almost The Blues', 'Griff' and 'My World Of Music', dedicated to the late tenor saxophonist, Johnny Griffin, as well as thirteen tasteful standards, played with much blood, sweat and tears. The repertoire ranges from the juvenile up-tempo track 'Close Your Eyes' by Ray Noble and the soulful 'You've Changed', made famous by Nat King Cole, to the soaring 'On A Clear Day', penned by Burton Lane. Kuhn, Hamilton and Clayton transform the otherwise frisky 1925 ballroom gem 'Dinah' and 'My Heart Stood Still' into an elegant swing mode, while Kurt Weill's 'Speak Low' dances cheerfully. Johnny Mandel's 'Emily' is a showcase for the bassist's pizzicato ability, which is highly praised by Kuhn. Listening to their version of 'Ornithology' you have the impression that Charlie Parker will join in at any moment while the beautiful, noble 'People' shows the sensitive power of the combo. Even as a gentleman crooner, Kuhn scores with 'Just In Time', a tune for which Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald have set unshakeable standards, as well as with Harry Warren's 'There Will Never Be Another You' and his favorite tune, 'As Time Goes By'. As a piano player and vocalist with an unfailing sense of rhythm and melody, Kuhn absorbs every note and transforms it into a special form of timeless swing.