All Music Guide

Harry Whitaker / Thoughts (Past and Present)
**** (four stars)

Review by Ken Dryden

Harry Whitaker is a veteran musician who has been on so many pop, R&B, funk, and jazz recordings that it is ridiculous. Thoughts (Past and Present) provides a rare opportunity to hear the pianist both as a leader and playing his own compositions exclusively. With bassist Omer Avital and drummer Dan Aran providing strong support, Whitaker displays an immense talent with his wide-ranging works. The driving post-bop "The Children and the Warlock" has a mystical air, yet his playing is remarkably restrained in such a high-energy piece. The haunting "Thoughts" builds slowly upon a repeated motif, which adds to its tense air. "Flight of Mind" has a jaunty flavor, though with its share of twists. The subtle ballad I Have to Be Your Lover" has a bittersweet flavor and deserves lyrics. The swaggering "Blues for Piano Players" is a perfect closer to this outstanding session. Harry Whitaker has long deserved an opportunity to be recognized for his obvious talents as a jazz pianist and composer; perhaps this CD will attract greater attention to this aspect of his multifaceted musical career.