Sir Roland Hanna Trio - Milano, Paris, New York -
What makes this story profoundly deep is the real-world weight resting behind the notes. Roland Hanna was an actual knight (knighted by the President of Liberia for his humanitarian work), and he played with a "noble" touch. Recorded on April 1, 2002, this session became one of his very last before he passed away in November of that same year.
: Sidewalk cafes, rain on cobblestones, and intellectual conversations late into the night.
Rather than a simple biography, this tribute is an atmospheric journey through the cities that shaped the sound of modern jazz. 🌆 Act I: Milano – The Architects of Mood Sir Roland Hanna Trio - Milano, Paris, New York
: The trio abandons the polite European structures and gives in to raw, unadulterated American swing.
: Hanna bridges the gap between European classical structure and American swing. What makes this story profoundly deep is the
: The record locks into a hard-driving groove, most notably on Milt Jackson's iconic "Bag's Groove" . Nash’s brushwork on the drums becomes a masterpiece of restraint and drive. New York is presented not as a place of chaos, but as a place where the sophisticated lessons learned in Milano and Paris are set on fire. 🎹 The Epilogue: A Final Bow
: Hanna's fingers dance lightly over the keys with an effortless, polite charm, while Mraz's bass walks with a steady, reassuring pulse. It captures the post-WWII era when American jazz musicians found artistic sanctuary and profound respect in Europe. 🗽 Act III: New York – The Pulse of the Pavement : Sidewalk cafes, rain on cobblestones, and intellectual
: Steam rising from subway grates, neon lights blurring in the rain, and the relentless, driving energy of the city.