JOHN BUCCHINO: On Richard Rodgers' Piano

John Bucchino

On Richard Rodgers' Piano

© 2003 Various (801130118227)

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Solo piano improvisational versions of Rodgers' songs on Rodgers' own Steinway.

tracks

1 Do Re Mi/ The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
2 My Favorite Things
3 Isn't It Romantic
4 Edelweiss
5 My Romance
6 It Might As Well Be Spring
7 The Lady Is A Tramp
8 Where Or When
9 You Took Advantage Of Me
10 If I Loved You
11 My Funny Valentine
12 Something Good

notes

Between May 12th and May 30th 2003, during a series of eight recording sessions, I played (and played with)
these marvelous songs, many of which were no doubt born on this very instrument. Since I play purely by ear and by instinct, none of these arrangements was written down or even (with the exception of the basic structure of "My Favorite Things") pre-meditated. We'd turn on the machines and for a couple of hours I'd call out one Rodgers title after another and improvise wildly different versions as the spirit moved me. Then came the task of deciding which version of each song to include. I chose those takes in which I felt I'd responded in the most intuitive and spontaneous way to the instrument itself. I also tended to choose those where the song was at least somewhat recognizable (though there is a dissonant, nearly 12-tone version of "If I Loved You" that was tempting...) What you hear are all single takes. There was no overdubbing, no editing of takes together for perfection's sake. This is exactly what happened in the moment in what turned out to be a deeply rewarding collaboration - a collaboration with Richard Rodgers' piano.

reviews

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  • On Richard Rogers' Piano
    author: Owen Patotzka

    There are not enough such recordings around. This was a pleasure to listen to and a delight to hear such old friends played in a great new way. Another success for John Bucchino.

  • Awesome rendition of classic faves
    author: Gloria Marvin

    I have this on my CD player right now. While I melt from the lusciousness of his renditions, I just ordered 10 more as gifts. Top drawer!!

  • creatively brilliant and technically amazing
    author: Julie L.

    As a classical and musical theatre pianist, I am always on the lookout for great piano recordings of show music. This is absolutely the best ever. My husband discovered this CD and I couldn't be happier with it. Congratulations, John, on a creatively brilliant and technically amazing recording.

  • I love your take on the great Rodgers songs.
    author: Jeffrey Lindau

    I love Bucchino's take on these Richard Rogers classics. He has taken improvisation to a new level. In the tradition of Kieth Jarrett, John has created some gorgeous piano gems.

  • A new page for Richard Rogers
    author: Mark D Messersmith

    John Bucchino is all the more amazing when you read he doesn't read music! It's all improv and what he does with these chestnuts is toss them gently into a warm pan to let them sizzle. You may think you don't want to hear some of these songs again(I mean, Edelweiss?!) but Johnny B gives them a delicate touch that draws you in. Give this one a shot A+++

  • Great sound with no editing
    author: DJ Massello

    I enjoyed the music, the idea of Rogers piano, and the absence of editing -- gave it an honesty, a spontaneity

  • Amazing renditions of music that I thought couldn't get any better!
    author: Becca

    I just had the pleasure of listening to John Bucchino play some of his music, including from this CD - and I was AMAZED. I've heard all this music before, but NEVER like this!!!!

  • Clever concept, excellent execution!
    author: Cranston Burney

    An excellent balance between the "Tin Pan Alley" Rodgers (with Hart) and the "Brodway" Rodgers (with Hammerstein). Clever concept brilliantly executed!

  • author: Robert F. Scherma

    This romantic rendering of Rodgers' music is just superb. It puts me into a revery and sometimes elicits imagery from my past that I have associated with a particular song. It's inspired and special. John is a fine musician and interprets Rodgers music splendidly. I'm curious, now, about his other albums. But, this album is a gift. Thank you, John.

  • Great piano playing. Wonderful orchestral approach.
    author: Ray Malach

    Great piano playing. Wonderful orchestral approach. I wish I had your left hand.

  • Loved the John Bucchino: On Richard Rodgers Piano and its escense of many of Rod
    author: a happy consumr
  • Absolutely great!
    author: Pat G

    This CD is really great. I can't stop listening to it. I play it over and over again. I especially like the second cut, My Favorite Things. I really like what John does with this song. I also enjoy the sound of the piano.

  • This musician's talent exceeds Richard Rogers music, by far!
    author: Chuck Warner

    Can a 225 pound old man be "enchanted" by music? Well, this one was. john Bucchino's touch on the keys is pure magic. I love this recording, and am not even wild about the music. It simply is the way it is played. Kudos to John Bucchino.

  • What a joy this record is. I play it again and again.
    author: Barry K

    What a joy this record is. I have loved Richard Rodgers' music my entire life and to hear this refreshingly new treatment of some of his finest songs played with great feeling on HIS piano is simply wonderful. I have tried to pick a favourite track but it is really difficult to do, maybe "If I Loved You" simply because it is my favourite Rodgers, song and it is played with so much sensitivity. It is a record I know I am going to play over and over again

  • Soothing as a soft gentle rain.
    author: Charles St. Ama

    The musicality of this CD is outstanding. I have played it after a stressful day at the office and the worries simply melt away. Refreshing, soothing, rejuvinating, etc....they all seem too shallow to describe this work.

  • So different musical generations CAN communicate
    author: Marc M

    Bucchino truly honors Rodgers, and doesn't just use his familiar melodies as a jumping-off point for his own ego. They're hardly predictable or obvious renditions, though -- he finds subtleties in the harmonies that even Rodgers, who was notoriously tough on anyone who tampered with what he wrote, probably would have loved. Wonderful background music -- we just played through it three times through dinner -- and even more revelatory the closer you listen. As good keyboard music should be.

  • author: john rogers

    If CD's wear out then I'm in trouble because I've listened to this constantly since receiving it. I keep hearing new values so it keeps getting better!

  • Fantastic!
    author: T Addison

    John does it again! What a brilliant musical mind at work!

  • MAGICAL....FANTASTICAL!!!
    author: Jayne

    I hesitated to buy this CD because it's kinda pricey...but...WOW!!!...it is worth every penny and them some!! I have been waiting for Mr. Bucchino to put out a piano-only record...well...this one goes beyond all expectations...I just received it and can't stop playing it...it is truly magical...I LUV IT!!

  • John Bucchino channels Richard Rodgers and you will LOVE it
    author: Shannon Runion

    John Bucchino has done it again. He will make you laugh, cry and SMILE with this fabulous interpretation of Richard Rodger's music, played on Richard Rodger's very own Steinway! This CD is PRICELESS. BUY IT NOW and you will be grateful.

  • I told John Bucchino that he was the reincarnated Brahms and I was right!
    author: Sheila Dugan

    "If I Loved You" is priceless. Unbelievably expressively played by a man that obviously KNOWS what it means to be shy at the beginning of a love affair, and truly, deeply, passionately in love during it. Bravo, John Bucchino! The whole CD is a gorgeous work of art, and I was right on the money when I told you that you were indeed, the 21st century reincarnated Brahms. Gorgeous. Thank you for this brilliant music. Sheila Dugan

  • A fabulous new take on fabulous R. Rodgers tunes!
    author: Patricia Linhart

    I have had the pleasure of singing Richard Rodgers tunes for EVER, but hearing these new takes on the standards is just the best. What a great way to make them fresh and new again. Beautifully thought out and played by the wonderful John Bucchino.

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