Album Notes

Formerly of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Bill Howland now resides on Kiawah Island, South Carolina and plays at The Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. On A Clear Day is a collection of solo jazz piano standards.

"On A Clear Day is the brillant jazz piano album from Bill Howland. Breathtakingly beautiful, this album is one that you'll just keep coming back to"
-Musicghost.com

Howland takes on old favorites
By Cheryl Kain - The Cape Codder
Friday, September 2, 2005

How fitting that this CD is titled "On A Clear Day." Cape-based pianist Bill Howland's greatest gift is the clarity with which he plays those ivories. Beginning the disc with the lovely "There Will Never Be Another You," his rhythmic left hand and crystal-clear melody begin to carry you off to some musical destination you'd be happy never to return from.

The old Gershwin favorite "Summertime" is sweetened with swing. Howland's rendition starts out with the familiar haunting tune, and then swings it, improvising all the way, weaving his characteristic motif throughout.

Howland's rhythmic delivery on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste" captures the Brazilian composer's essence effortlessly. Howland is spot on, enhancing the rich chords with his easy lilt and sassy chord changes.

Next up is the Mancini/Mercer song "The Days of Wine and Roses." This is a nice up-tempo version, and halfway through Howland employs his famous walking left hand bass. For those of you unfamiliar with piano solos, all of these tunes are not easy stuff to play. Unlike performing with a trio, where the pianist is freed up to riff and ramble atop a bass line, playing alone, the pianist must "comp" with the left hand and play melody with his right hand.

Howland manages to tastefully flesh out the standards while keeping impeccable time, with commitment to his signature style. Howland's style is not overly showy, but solid, beautiful playing that wins over our ears and hearts at once.

"How High the Moon" once more shines his tasty timing and sensitive chord movement, beginning with a melodic statement, and then improvising around the melody. Again, Howland breaks up the song's form employing a walking bass and right hand solo.

In "Autumn Leaves," Howland plays the wonderfully rich tune while modulating to different keys without us realizing where he is taking us.

The title track "On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)," Howland does a straight ahead spin on the song, then ventures into a shimmering solo and restating the melody once more. "Fly Me to the Moon" is perfection, and the CD wraps up with the inimitable "In A Sentimental Mood" and "Emily."

The Duke Ellington penned "In A Sentimental Mood" is done in moderate tempo, where again pianist Howland modulates effortlessly between keys. Finally, the gorgeous "Emily" begins in a symmetric meter, and then veers into almost a syncopated waltz feel, with that famously beautiful theme throughout.

This is a great CD to relax to outside on the patio, with a glass of wine in hand, and it is a must-hear while driving! Bill Howland plays with the style, grace and ease of a finely honed musician who has been and performed around the block, and then some. Don't miss this foray into our beloved standards. If you consider yourself a jazz aficionado, you'll hear that this is not one of those dime-a-dozen-million-notes per minute kind of jazz piano player. And if you've never even ventured into jazz territory, check it out anyway. Beautiful music is beautiful music, no matter what category you place a song. Here on Howland's "On A Clear Day," there is clearly something for everyone.

Howland performs regularly at Christian's in Chatham on Monday nights from 7 to 11. He has played at Chatham Bars Inn, The Roadhouse, Bubala's, Campari's and many other venues. His website is www.howlandonline.com