'Generations In Jazz' Concert On Piano Jazz: Set I

On this episode of Piano Jazz, guest host Jon Weber shares music from part one of a special Generations in Jazz performance at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, featuring Marian McPartland and friends. This set celebrates the New Year and the continuing life of jazz with performances from Piano Jazz friends new and old, including Roberta Piket, Geri Allen, Kenny Barron, Catherine Russell and, of course, McPartland.

The set begins with McPartland joined by bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and drummer Glenn Davis, swinging in "Sweet and Lovely." McPartland and company have no trouble warming up the stage for pianist Roberta Piket, who takes a heartfelt solo in tribute during McPartland's "Twilight World." And Carol Welsman accompanies her smooth vocals in "In the Days of Our Love," another McPartland tune with lyrics by Peggy Lee.

During this special evening at Dizzy's, the performers also honor one of the key ingredients of Piano Jazz: the piano duet. Appropriate for this Generations in Jazz celebration, the first duet comes courtesy of seasoned master Geri Allen and recent arrival Taylor Eigsti. They get together for some serious stride antics in Thelonious Monk's playful "Well, You Needn't."

Vocalist Catherine Russell treasures the sometimes-forgotten gems of the 1920s, '30s and '40s, and on this program she polishes a fine one, "Where Can I Go Without You?" Along with Jon Weber on piano, she genuinely invokes Peggy Lee's lyric of globetrotting desire.

"Willow Weep for Me," by Anne Ronell, has long been a McPartland favorite, and she returns to the stage for another textbook take, swinging elegantly through a ballad.

Next, two young players get together for a duet on an old tune, "Honeysuckle Rose," written in 1929 by Fats Waller and Andy Razaf. Pianist Aaron Diehl is joined by trumpeter Dominic Farinacci for this smooth take on an old standard.

The magical celebration of Generations in Jazz comes to a close in "New York Attitude," a piano duet with teacher Kenny Barron and his former student, Helen Sung. The pair burns up the keys throughout the energetic tune. They leave little doubt that the future of jazz is in good hands, and it's a fitting end to this Piano Jazz session — and to 2010.

Originally recorded Oct. 4, 2010. Originally broadcast Dec. 28, 2010.