Piano Jazz: McPartland/Wilson [2005]

Read About This Recording

A national treasure, Marian McPartland has been an important pianist ever since she married cornetist Jimmy McPartland and moved to the U.S. from her native England in 1946. Although initially a swing pianist, she gradually modernized her style during her lengthy and productive solo career. In 1978 when she was 60, she began hosting Piano Jazz, an NPR radio series that features her interviewing a fellow musician (usually a pianist) with whom she interacts and plays piano duets.

Through the years, McPartland has collaborated with a wide range of pianists on her shows, ranging from Eubie Blake to Cecil Taylor. One of the most compatible was the definitive swing stylist, Teddy Wilson. Taped in late-1978, McPartland inspires Wilson to tell stories including about him seeing classical pianist Vladimir Horowitz perform earlier in the year at the White House. She also talks with Wilson about his influential style, which he demonstrates. Along with the discussions, they perform duets (including "I'll Remember April" and a joyful "Flying Home") and McPartland creates a new piece, "Marian's Motif," based on an idea that Wilson had suggested.

As with all of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz shows (which are still hosted today by the 91-year-old pianist), there is a great deal of mutual respect displayed by the pianists, resulting in some unusual and memorable music. Her show with Teddy Wilson is memorable.

—Scott Yanow

Contents

Music and conversation from the Peabody Award-winning NPR program Piano Jazz, hosted by legendary pianist Marian McPartland, with guest star Teddy Wilson.

Stompin' At The Savoy; Conversation; Medley; Conversation; I'll Remember April; Conversation; Medley; Conversation; Marian's Motif; Conversation; Traumerei; Conversation; Moonglow; Conversation; Flying Home; Conversation.

Teddy Wilson, Marian McPartland, Pianos.