Pianist
Earl Hines
is in top form on this brilliant set of solo piano. This CD (which has three previously unreleased performances along with five of the six numbers from its counterpart LP) and
Tour de Force Encore
greatly expand upon the original set. Whether it be
"Mack the Knife,"
"Indian Summer,"
or
"I Never Knew,"
Hines
is near the peak of his creativity on this CD, taking wild chances with time and coming up with fresh new variations on these veteran
standards
. ~ Scott Yanow