Dave Miller Trio Just Imagine

Dave Miller Trio
Just Imagine
Summit Records

Recently I reviewed an album on which pianist Dave Miller was backing his daughter vocalist Rebecca Dumaine. This recording is by Miller and his trio with bassist Chuck Bennett and drummer Bill Belasco on drums. Belasco has regularly been playing with Miller for four decades while Bennett has only been with Miller with two years, but one who Miller loves for his "harmonic awareness and melodic sensitivity." George Shearing greatly influenced Miller, and this album is a celebration of the centennial of Shearing, who was born on August 13, 1919. Rather than recreating Shearing's hits, Miller and his trio perform both standards and superior obscurities that Shearing had played along the way. Along with well-known songs like "You Took Advantage of Me," "Confirmation," and "A Foggy Day," Miller plays lesser-known songs from Billy Taylor and Ray Bryant.

The recording opens with the swing Billy Taylor's "One For the Woofer," with Miller displaying his relaxed, fluid, and sophisticated touch while exchanging fours with Belasco. Then there is the lyrical rendition of "You Took Advantage of Me," as he spins his solo with Bennett keeping the pulse and Belasco lightly adding his accents. Rusty Bryant's, "The Bebop Irishman" is a song that has only been recorded three times, twice by Shearing. Last recorded in 1963, Miller's rendition is an exuberant development of a traditional Irish motif. Then there is the delicate beauty of the performance of "I'd Love To Make Love To You," that Nat King Cole first recorded in 1946. Cole recorded "A Beautiful Friendship" with George Shearing. Miller's recording also displays a graceful, elegant quality with Bennett soloing on this.

There is a lively performance of Sam Jones' blues, "Bittersweet," and a spirited rendering of Charlie Parker's "Confirmation," as Miller is vibrant here. "You Must Believe In Spring" is an exquisite duet by Miller and Bennett opening with some lovely solo piano, while Jim Hall's "Careful" is a vivacious duet by Miller with Belasco on the Cajon. The solo performances of "A Foggy Day" and "Just Imagine" are delightful and exquisitely performed. Delightful and exquisitely performed is also an apt description of the music on "Just Imagine." The Dave Miller Trio has produced a marvelous recording.

I received a promo copy from a publicist. Here is a performance from the Dave Miller Trio.