Viva Grolnick
4
By cscottrun4it
Don Grolnick was a brilliant musician and remains underrated, except for in the most knowledgable jazz circles. His work is amazing and affected the careers of so many, including Michael Brecker and James Taylor. This album is, I believe, his first solo effort and, as such, is not bad. Brecker is, as usual, brilliant and the compositions are way above average. (I really believe that Grolnick deserves 90% of the credit here, but the album lists Brecker as well.)
Unfortunately, there are some strong elements of "smooth" jazz in this album. While it does not say so here, I seem to remember there being a Windham Hill tie in to this release. You can definately hear that element on a number of tracks. I like many of Windham Hill's recordings, but the sound does not translate well to Grolnick's talents, in my mind. That said, however, this album is pleasant background music for summer evenings on the porch.
If you want Grolnick at his best, I suggest Weaver of Dreams, which is now available as The Comlete Blue Note Recordings. This album maybe one of the most underrated jazz albums of all time. The playing is exceptional, by amazing jazz mucisians like Randy and Michael Brecker, Steve Turre, Dave Holand, and Peter Erskin. Grolnick's compositions are at their best, as is his own playing, this time on the ivory. (Hearts and Numbers has a fair amount of synths.) The album is simply amazing.
It is for this reason I give Hearts and Numbers a 4-star rating. It is good, but it is by no means Grolnick's best. If your tastes run along the more accustic style of jazz (I wouldn't call Weaver of Dreams hard bop but rather amazing improvization-based music), go get the Complete Blue Note album. You will love it, I guarantee. If you like a softer, smoother jazz, this album is for you.
