Solo Flights

Album Review

If it was not considered such an insult, I would call Rick Eldridge a superior cocktail pianist. He performs concise versions of standards (only three of the 20 numbers on this CD are over three minutes long), ranging from the swing era and bossa nova, to "Mister Sandman," Dave Brubeck and "Linus & Lucy." "Lazy River" is given an intriguing interpretation, starting slow and then, every two choruses, moving into a faster tempo, getting rather rapid by its conclusion. The melody is never very far away on any of these numbers (four of which are Eldridge originals) and, although the music swings and the repertoire is quite interesting, there are no real unexpected moments. This very accessible set, which will not challenge a jazz audience, should satisfy those listeners who think of jazz as being too complex. Certainly no one will be asking "Where's the melody?"