Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » G. F. Mlely: 88 Keys and Counting

163

G. F. Mlely: 88 Keys and Counting

By

Sign in to view read count
G. F. Mlely: 88 Keys and Counting
In playing solo, the art of music is defined by expertise. Outstanding technique may indulge the player, but there has to be enough creativity to carry the listener. In order to succeed, the focus should not be divided and the pulse has to be constantly fed from the center. It is to pianist G.F. Mlely’s credit that he keeps the structure of these pieces pliable for his ministrations, and in doing so displays an inspired confidence.

Mlely creates tension and loosens the pulse. In his two-handed attack, his left creates vignettes that accompany the luminous creations of his right. Intense dynamics cavort to a swirling pulse, and rhythm and time can change in one smooth swerve. He lays bare the melody of “Love For Sale” with an easy, slow air and then chugs through a heady exposition of the theme. A light pastoral zephyr wafts across “Mistress Of The Tree”, the calm both soothing and heady. “Rio” has a solid Latin groove going for it, without ever truly immersing in the beat. Mlely also shows the influence of Art Tatum, particularly on “Spirit Inside” which, given the devolution, is aptly named.

Track Listing

Our Love Is Here To Stay; Spirit Inside; Love For Sale; Mistress Of The Tree; Mood Indigo; Come Rain Or Come Shine; Here We Are; Night And Day; Rio

Personnel

G. F. Mlely

Album information

Title: 88 Keys and Counting | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: JazCraft

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.