Cedar Walton Trio - Midnight Waltz / 2LP Venus Records

The sensational comeback of veteran pianist Steve Kuhn has been extensively documented by his numerous releases on Venus Records. Kuhn, who was 68 years old at the time of this recording, seems to be even more energetic and vital with age,

complementing his intellectual approach and lyricism with a stronger sense of swing and drive. Together with veterans Buster Williams on bass and Al Foster on drums, Kuhn is at the zenith of his career on “Plays Standards”. In the tradition of Venus

Records, the trio takes well-known jazz standards and breathes new, powerful life into them with fresh ideas and unbridled energy. Recorded on August 30 and 31, 2006, at “The Studio” in New York, the album was produced by Todd Barkan and mixed

and mastered by legendary producer Tetsuo Hara.

Ken Dryden of AllMusic writes: “Although the recording is titled “Plays Standards”, Kuhn does not limit himself exclusively to well-known works. In addition to Victor Young's widely known ”Beautiful Love“ (a favorite of pianist Bill Evans), the pianist offers

a seductive interpretation of the composer's ”Golden Earrings“ and a lighthearted, airy version of ”Love Letters”. Kuhn's intense treatment of “Alone Together” includes an amusing detour into Thelonious Monk's “Locomotive”, while his reinterpretation

of “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise” effectively alienates the melody. Kuhn also revisits his original “Oceans In The Sky”, a brilliant piece reminiscent of a gathering storm. Highly recommended!"

Venus Records was founded in Japan in 1992 by Tetsuo Hara, who previously worked as a producer for RCA Victor. The label uses a special mastering process called “Hyper Magnum Sound” for the strictly limited double LP of “Plays Standards”, cut at 33 RPM

and pressed on 180-gram vinyl, which produces a powerful, present sound and is highly appreciated by audiophiles worldwide. A quick note: Venus LPs are only pressed once. Once the edition is sold out, the title is removed from the catalog and will not be reissued.

Collectors should therefore not wait too long to place their orders: all releases of the “Venus Masterpiece Collection” are extremely popular!

Venus LPs are pressed only once. After the first edition is sold out, the titles are removed from the catalog. Collectors should therefore consider a purchase in time.

Title

1. Bremond's Blues

2. Cedar's Blues 

3. The Vision

4. Holy Land 

5. Theme For Jobim

6. Ugetsu

7. Turquoise 

8. Dear Ruth

9. Bolivia

10. Midnight Waltz