Tardo's Tempo

• Track Listing

The Underground King of New York Bebop Piano, Tardo Hammer, is back with his third trio date for Sharp Nine. Joining him are bass stalwart Dennis Irwin and old-school drummer Jimmy Wormworth. Highlights of this exceptionally swinging date are Tardo's beautifully nuanced version "Last Time I Saw Paris," a poignant ballad performance of Gil Fuller's "I Waited for You," an uptempo blast on Irving Berlin's "Russian Lullaby," and a rambunctious tip of the cap to Thelonious Monk on "Thelonious." This CD recalls the halcyon days of jazz when unfussy, unalloyed swing ruled and the creation of original, improvised lines was the true measure of a jazz artist.