Bill Cunliffe

“…the finest disc released this year.” – All About Jazz

This Grammy nominated pianist, composer, arranger studied with the great Mary Lou Williams. Bill Cunliffe has toured with Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard and Joshua Redman. He is the winner of the 1989 Thelonious Monk Piano Competition. He combines a strong sense of swing with lyricism and sensitivity. Keyboard Magazine notes: Bill’s “superb piano playing, his extremely clever arrangements and his playing is inventive, melodic and soulful.” Bill challenged himself by revisiting one of the all-time great jazz recordings: Oliver Nelson’s 1961 date for Impulse!, The Blues and The Abstract Truth. Inventive takes on the classic are realized with guests Terrell Stafford, John Clayton and an L.A. “A” team including Bob Sheppard and Andy Martin. Bill Cunliffe adds a few originals in the spirit of this iconic recording. A wonderfully satisfying journey.