Berlin Jazz Piano Workshop 1965

Berlin's 1965 Jazz Piano Workshop reunited some of the instrument's finest exponents from the full stylistic spectrum of jazz piano. The great Teddy Wilson was on hand to represent the swing piano style; the father of jazz piano improvisation Earl Hines was also present; Lennie Tristano served as an exponent of modern exploratory piano playing, Bill Evans and John Lewis were in attendance, and a nexus between the traditional and the modern, Jaki Byard - who alternated free and stride passages on the same tune - filled out this historic lineup. A notable absence was pianist Bud Powell, who was then living a troublesome period which would end with his death the following year. The two other main influences missing from the performance were Thelonious Monk, who was touring Europe with his own band, and Art Tatum, who had died in 1956.

The concert opens with a blues introducing the pianist, who each play a couple of choruses. Then it's Fatha Hines' time, soling on "memories of You" and "I've Got the Wold on a String" backed by Pedersen and Dawson. "Love" is a showcase for the inimitable Teddy Wilson, who then plays a duet with Hines on "All of Me". On these two tunes, Peter Trunk plays bass and Cees See the drums. Then John Lewis plays his famous composition "Django" with Pedersen and Connie Kay. Lennie Tristano follows with "Cool Boogie" accompanied by Pedersen and Dawson, who also back Bill Evans on "Beautiful Love". A long "Free Improvisation" by Jaki Byard follows, with Dawson again and Reggie Workman taking the bass chair. The finale offers another duet: this time with Earl Hines and Jaki Byard joining forces for a lively version of the former's "Rossetta".

Jaki Byard, Bill Evans, Earl Hines, John Lewis, Lennie Tristano and Teddy Wilson (piano); Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Reggie Workman or Peter Trumk (bass); Alan Dawson, Connie Kay or Cees See (drums)