At the Hickory House

This import CD reissues long unavailable At the Hickory House originally issued on a Capitol LP, featuring Marian McPartland with bassist Bill Crowand drummer Joe Morello in what are supposedly live performances recorded during her long tenure leading the house trio at the Hickory House, but they are actually studio recordings. Unfortunately, George Simon's liner notes and the composer credits (though most are easy to identify) are omitted as well from this likely bootleg. Following lively swinging takes of "I Hear Music" and "Tickle Toe," both an uncredited cellist and harpist are added to a mellow "Street of Dreams." A decidedly Latin take of "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" features Morello's fine brushwork. "Lush Life" is early evidence of McPartland's mastery of ballads. She also sparkles on the now infrequently heard standard "Moon Song." Although the rather strong hiss from the master tapes is distracting at times, fans of Marian McPartland will want to add this highly recommended CD to their collections. ~ Ken Dryden