AMG Review of Solo Piano

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Prior to 1973, pianist Dave McKenna had not recorded as a leader in a decade and it was this particular album (now available on CD with two additional songs and a few alternate takes) that helped him gain recognition for his brilliant playing; it would be followed by three other Chiaroscuro dates and a countless number of sets for Concord. A couple of attempts at uplifting current material aside ("Norwegian Wood" and "My Cherie Amour" do not fit McKenna's sound), this solo performance finds the pianist displaying his fully formed swing style on a variety of superior tunes, including a three-part "Have You Met Miss Jones Sequence.")