Don't expect fireworks but there is acre upon acre of solid playing here. And with tunes including classics by Duke Ellington, Bobby Timmons and Herbie Hancock and staples of the future in the work of pianist-leader Bill O'Connell himself this live recording made at Gosman's Dock during the Hamptons Jazz Festival at Montauk on Long Island in 2021 taps the heart of the modern mainstream. Mainly a quartet affair Live in Montauk marks the first time that pianist Bill O'Connell has completed a recording with the Mwandishi era icon drummer Billy Hart. Another plus factor is a guest appearance by, once again - he crops up in lots of guest spots at the moment - trumpet legend Randy Brecker on opener Ellington's 'Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me' to begin with. Later, after a bustling introduction from O'Connell on his own piece 'Tip Toes' where Brecker harmonises deftly with tenorist Craig Handy, Brecker launches into a fluttering typically high energy solo foray. Fans of bassist Santi Debriano will know 'Ripty Boom' from 2020's Flash of the Spirit, a Debriano tune that O'Connell also joined him on and continues their journey on the tune here once again live. Highlights for us include the tender Handy solo on O'Connell piece 'No Rhyme or Reason.' Bill O'Connell, photo: press
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