Contrasts is a two-fer collection of work by pianist
Marian McPartland featuring the albums Plays the Music of Alec Wilder and Marian and Jimmy McPartland: A Sentimental Journey. Showcasing the exquisite playing of the NPR jazz host, both albums are worth checking out. Disc one should appeal to longtime
McPartland fans with the pianist working through the compositions of
Alec Wilder in a straight-ahead trio style. Disc two, though, is the real revelation, with
McPartland joining her cornetist/vocalist husband,
Jimmy, and his New Orleans trad-style band for a live date. The music is much hotter than
McPartland's solo work -- she "comps" beautifully behind soloists -- and it's a treat to hear her in this more bluesy, extroverted context. ~ Matt Collar