Personnel:Fred Hersch, Solo Piano Tracks:A Lark, The Nearness of You, Evidence, At the Close of the Day, O Grande Amor, The Peacocks, Don't Blame Me, Valentine.

    Let’s face it, there are few performers can do a solo album on any instrument and have the magnitude of long lasting and powerful affect! Fred Hersch’s recording Live at the Bimhuis not only does this in my mind, but it is a most intriguing listen. He has just reached a point of brilliance in his career, and is nothing short of a Rubinstein of Jazz piano!

    It’s difficult for me to know where to start in love for his music. Is it his brilliant touch, or his range of emotional fortitude? Or his brilliant technique? Or that he takes classic standards and turns them into Sonata’s and Suites? Or is it his brilliant use of counterpoint that is ever so present and ongoing in his music? Or maybe, his innate ability to creating fascinating melodies of existing ones? For me it is all of the above and more.

    When you listen to Fred, the listener will hear a love affair with the music. If you’re open, this love will penetrate your soul. Hersch has the ability to create beauty like few have ever been able to do so in modern times. I say this because, I’ve heard many of the greats of this era, not of previous era’s, and my mind Fred has no equals!

    I’ve been used to hearing Fred in so many settings where he is the added sharpshooter for many recordings. He always delivers. He brings a freshness and beauty to everyone he plays. But, to hear him where he can be himself, is a marvel! His music grabs me, penetrates my inner being, and moves me emotionally.

    When reading the liner notes, you’ll learn that this disc was recorded unaware of Herch’s knowledge. Hersch admits in his liner notes, that he feels a certain “un-self-consciousness about the performance on this disc, that would be difficult to reproduce in a recording studio”. He had also been introduced to a new Steinway, that the club purchased and he obviously felt a certain affinity for. Plus, this recording capped a 10 day tour, where his creative juices were peaking at the right moment.

    The outcome is a recording for the ages. This is a brilliantly played “live” performance that will capture your curiosity and imagination. On this disc are 5 classic standards and 3 Hersch originals. You’ll love his compositions, they have melodic and emotional power.
    This is a must buy disc! If you’re a fan of the man, please visit his web-site and purchase a copy of this sensational music! Bravo Fred and thank-you for amazing contributions to the musical canon!

For more information, please visit: FredHersch.com