Bill Charlap Trio – ‘S Wonderful (1999) [Japan 2000] {SACD ISO + FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz}

Before the talented pianist Bill Charlap went “major” with the Blue Note label, he was discovered by Venus Records and the Japanese audience. This “debut” album of Charlap, released in 1999, was an enormous hit and became an instant classic. Deeply rooted in the tradition of jazz and with tremendous knowledge and respect for the American songbook, Charlap’s piano playing is lyrical, fantastic and powerful. This album may not dazzle you with apparent “newness,” but the beauty of melody, sound, and deep swing will move you and make you smile. The great New York rhythm section, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, contributes with great performances as well.

Best known for his work with Gerry Mulligan and later Phil Woods during the 1990s, pianist Bill Charlap was clearly developing rapidly on his own record dates. Beginning with a crisp rendition of “Time After Time,” Charlap, with a formidable rhythm section of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, explores a nice mix of standards and jazz classics. His refreshing approach to “Lover” initially adds a Latin rhythm to the sprightly waltz before launching into overdrive. The less familiar material, including a jaunty take of George & Ira Gershwin’s “Boy, What Love Has Done to Me” and a breathtaking solo interpretation of Jimmy Van Heusen’s dreamy ballad “Only the Lonely,” is equally rewarding. The sound on this studio date is so intimate that it sounds as if the listener is sitting right next to the piano. This exquisitely packaged Japanese release is very highly recommended.

Tracklist:
01. Time After Time
02. My Shinning Hour
03. The Blue Room
04. Boy, What Love Has Done To Me
05. Isfahan
06. Lover
07. Something To Live For
08. ‘S Wonderful
09. Summer Serenade
10. Only the Lonely

Produced by Tetsuo Hara & Todd Barkan. Engineered by Mile Krowiak.
Recorded on December 26, 1998 at Clinton Recording Studio in New York.
Venus Hyper Magnum Sound Direct Mix. VENUS Japan # TKGV-11.

Personnel
Bill Charlap – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Kenny Washington – drums

SACD ISO

BillCharlapTri0SW0nderful1999Japan2000SACDIS0.part1.rar
BillCharlapTri0SW0nderful1999Japan2000SACDIS0.part2.rar
BillCharlapTri0SW0nderful1999Japan2000SACDIS0.part3.rar

FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz

BillCharlapTri0SW0nderful1999Japan2000FLAC2488.2.part1.rar
BillCharlapTri0SW0nderful1999Japan2000FLAC2488.2.part2.rar