Eddie Diehl with Hank Jones - Well, Here It Is

[joelf]

I just wanted to put this out here because I know y'all are jazz listeners of discriminating tastes. Eddie Diehl, one of my oldest friends and a definite mentor on my instrument (guitar---and not just to me) at the ripe age of 69 finally has a date out under his name. Musicians in the know around NY have long known Eddie as one of the most relaxed and swinging guitarists. His style and ideas are his own, too, though right down Bebop Lane. He recorded as a sideman with Jack McDuff, Hank Mobley, and Al Haig among others.

Well, at long last the recalcitrant Mr. Diehl (I used to call him the Garbo of jazz guitar) was corralled into studio and the results made me smile. With Hank Jones as senior partner (and John Webber, bass; Mickey Roker, drums) real, mature, swinging jazz is played here. Eddie is one of those players who burn on a low flame and speak, not scream, highly intelligent thoughts. Hank Jones is, well, Hank Jones. If you're looking for edgy, 'innovative' stuff maybe go to the next CD. But if you want to groove and feel some of life's special feelings get this. You won't be sorry and with more music like this in the world we might just stand a chance. Title: Eddie Diehl with Hank Jones: "Well, here it is" Order online at: www.lineagerecords.com

[Pete C]

That's FANTASTIC news. I caught that quartet at Fat Cat Billiards a few years ago. I hadn't heard of Diehl--I went because it was a chance to see Hank for $15, but Diehl blew me away, and the interplay with Hank was amazing. I had wondered about him, and did a web search at the time, and couldn't find many references, though several referred to him as "legendary."

[Mike Schwartz]

I've been lucky enough to have had a pre-release copy more than a year ago, through a publicist friend.

The label shared a booth at the recent IAJE, and I saw it there along with the other offerings.

[lgoler]

Thanks for the heads up, just ordered the cd.

[joelf]

Thanks, guys. Spread the news. We need music like this in the world. I've listened to this several times and it holds up. Short, focused solos and the trading between Eddie and Hank is a conversation among wise men. Great listening and support by Mickey and John, too. Just an unpretentious, low-key, swinging, old-school jazz recording. Eddie is proud of the date and should be. I know his playing very well, having played with him for many years, and he's presented the way he deserves in the company he deserves to in.

[lkaven]

Ilya Lushtak did a real service with that one.