G.F. Mlely – 88 Keys and Counting
88 Keys and Counting
G.F. Mlely
(JazCraft – 2002)
by Ricky Miller
G. F. Mlely performs solo piano with a two-pronged attack… Left hand and Right hand. The sound is clear and crisp, the delivery is powerful and moving. His interpretation of Gershwin’s Our Love is Here to Stay is filled with flamboyant runs and staccato romps. The take on Cole Porter’s Love for Sale is slow and blues infested while retaining that quality of ‘lightness’ that Mlely ingrains into his work; a marvelous rendering. Other covers include Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo another Porter tune’ Night and Day‘ and a sweetly played version of Johnny Mercer’s Come Rain or Come Shine.
There are also four Mlely originals, most notable of which is Rio – all motion and interplay with a moment here and there for some jouncy rhythm. I also liked the Spirit Inside; a well developed song that delivers a sense of pride and majesty, showing Mlely’s ability not only to play with both hands, but to write for them as well. Mlely plays and writes with a style that is uniquely his and very recognizable, much like another solo-piano pioneer, George Winston. Very enjoyable.
The CD is available Right Now at JazCraft
