Review

Dave Grusin & Don Grusin: One Night Only (Care Music)

Dave Grusin can do little wrong in my eyes, or should that be ears? I adore his graceful piano playing and his creative film scores. Been a huge fan of his work for many years.

A couple of years ago, I had one of his tracks played at the funeral I organised for my close friend John, who passed way from cancer. He was also a big admirer of Grusin’s work.

The Grusin family are a talented bunch. Dave and his younger brother Don, both superb pianists. Both brilliant composers. Don has recorded and played with many esteemed players over the years including Sergio Mendes, Patti Austin, Quincy Jones, Zoot Sims, Joe Pass, Brenda Russell, Larry Carlton, Nathan East and Lee Ritenour.

Since 1975, Don has been absorbed with the music of Brazil and Latin America, his great passions. Recently, he completed a musical collaboration with Bill Sharpe of Shakatak, to make the CD “Trans Atlántica.”

Dave founded jazz label GRP records, wrote and played music for the movies “The Fabulous Baker Boys,” “The Firm,” “The Graduate” and “The Goonies,” among many. He’s won several Grammys, and worked with Bill Withers, Ray Brown and Gerry Mulligan. As a producer and arranger, he’s worked with Paul Simon, Barbara Streisand, Sergio Mendes and many others.

Don and his brother recorded their dueling Steinway pianos project in Munich at a live radio broadcast. 11 tracks where the brothers sit at pianos alone on stage, and deliver a sparkling, inspiring, master-class of wonderful music. The chemistry between them is evident on every track. The production quality is crystal clear.

Alongside their own compositions, the duo play standards such as Thelonius Monk’s classic “Straight, No Chaser,” The 1937 Disney Snow White song “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” Bill Evans’ “Turn Out The Stars” and Miles Davis’ “All Blues.” Dave’s “Milagro Suite” is stunning, with fine classical attack. His song, “Memphis Stomp,” nails a great groove, and the pair really digs deep.

The penultimate track, “Road Town,” penned by Don, lights up the sky with some inventive keyboard fireworks from the pair. The closer is a gorgeous dose of gospel, with “What A friend We Have In Jesus.” This track is sheer bliss. I’d love to hear them make a full gospel album together, this time with other players on board, and lush string arrangements perhaps.

Both Grusins have a unique and deft touch, and a God-given gift. The first time they have been recorded together. Not the last, if I had my wish.
Words SIMON REDLEY