Marian McPartland's Hickory House Trio On Piano Jazz

by GRANT JACKSON
January 17, 201411:14 AM
With this episode of Piano Jazz, we remember drummer Joe Morello in a special reunion session with the Hickory House Trio recorded in 1990. He died on March 12, 2011, but during the 1950s, Marian McPartland, Morello, and bassist Bill Crow performed together at the Hickory House, one of the last jazz clubs on 52nd Street in Manhattan. In this session, guest host Crow shares music and memories from his days playing bass in the trio. And, 50-plus years on, McPartland still vividly recalls the trio's days.

"We had such a wonderful time working there, and we were always having a laugh," McPartland says. "The head waiter Julius had a very stiff way of walking and Joe would mock him using his drumsticks. When we were playing, Joe would sometimes take this unusual solo break, and I could never come back in on time. I called that 'The Chicken.' It was nice to get back together again for a reunion."

McPartland's trio enjoyed a 12-year run on the stage of the Hickory House. After leaving the trio, Bill Crow went on to work with Gerry Mulligan. Joe Morello was courted by both Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, but ultimately went on to work with a small group taking a new direction in jazz led by Dave Brubeck. Morello's skills were put on prominent display on tunes such as "Unsquare Dance," "Blue Rondo Ala Turk," and the national hit "Take Five."

Marian McPartland continued her career as a club pianist at venues including The Embers, The Carlyle, and others. She also enjoyed an extensive recording and composing career before she became known to public radio listeners as the beloved host of Piano Jazz.

The session kicks off with drummer Joe Morello's rousing introduction to the Duke Ellington tune "I'm Beginning to See the Light," with McPartland and Crow joining in for the swinging opener. The band continues with another Ellington tune, "Love You Madly," as its instruments fall into conversation with one another just as easily as the players do.
Read more: http://www.npr.org/2011/07/15/15123976/marian-mcpartlands-hickory-house-trio-on-piano-jazz?ft=1&f=10002