Veteran
Ronny Whyte
is perhaps best known for his singing, which falls between swing and cabaret, depending on the project. This CD is a bit different, for it is a full set of his solo piano playing.
Whyte
has a likable melodic style not that different from
Teddy Wilson
although with his own voicings and personality. His interpretations are concise, with no performance longer than 4:26.
makes each note count and gives each chorus its purpose. He mostly sticks to standards, including
"All the Things You Are,"
"The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,"
and
"By Myself"
but also includes some offbeat items such as
Marian McPartland
's
"Time & Time Again,"
"Theme from the Bad & the Beautiful,"
and the Gershwins'
"Where's My Bess?"
In addition,
plays three of his originals, highlighted by his
"Twelve Tone Blues."
The music is generally quite thoughtful, as if
were ignoring a large noisy crowd at a piano bar in favor of a few interested listeners. The results are enjoyable. ~ Scott Yanow