Características
After Bill Charlap was rediscovered by Venus Records with his wonderful debut album “'S Wonderful,” Blue Note immediately took notice of him. Charlap signed a lucrative exclusive contract with Blue Note, which prohibited him from publishing his name on any albums later released by the Japanese label. This explains the name “New York Trio” that appears on the cover of this album. The New York Trio recorded a total of six albums for Venus Records. The beautiful “Blues In The Night” marks the debut of this magnificent series. During his career, pianist Bill Charlap has played with jazz icons such as Tony Bennett, Benny Carter and Gerry Mulligan, and as a bandleader has recorded a number of albums that have been very well received by audiences and critics alike. He is joined by bassist and singer-songwriter Jay Leonhart, who has performed with Marian McPartland, Louie Bellson, Lee Konitz, and many other great musicians, and drummer Bill Stewart, who has performed with jazz guitarist John Scofield, saxophonist Maceo Parker, and R&B legend James Brown, Charlap has recorded magnificent trio albums like “Blues In The Night,” on which the three musicians interpret seven ballads from the Great American Songbook.
Bill Charlap, considered by many to be one of the finest interpreters of the Great American Songbook, captivates listeners with his truly enchanting phrasing and tonal palette, complemented by a profound sensitivity. Jay Leonhart plays with great authority, coaxing wonderfully lyrical tones from his double bass, while drummer Bill Stewart's surprisingly traditional style keeps the whole ensemble in balance. Recorded on June 7 and 8, 2001, at The Studio in New York, the album was produced by Todd Barkan and Tetsuo Hara and mixed and mastered by Tetsuo Hara and Shuji Kitamura.
Venus Records was founded in Japan in 1992 by Tetsuo Hara, who previously worked as a producer for RCA Victor. The prestigious label uses a special mastering process called “Hyper Magnum Sound” for the strictly limited double LP of “Blues In The Night”. The records are cut at 33 RPM and pressed on 180-gram vinyl, which produces a powerful, present sound and is highly appreciated by audiophiles worldwide. A quick note: Venus LP reissues are only pressed once! Once the edition is sold out, the title is removed from the catalog and will not be reissued. Collectors should therefore not wait too long to place their orders: all releases of the “Venus Masterpiece Collection” are extremely popular!
LP 1
Side A
1. Blue Skies
2. Tenderly
3. Don’t Explain
Side B
1. Blues In The Night
2. I Could Have Danced All Night
LP 2
Side C
1. Summer Night
2. My Funny Valentine
Side D
1. Embraceable You
2. You Better Go Now