This two-CD set complies two May 1980 concerts by the
Tete Montoliu Trio
originally released separately as
Catalonian Nights, Vol. 1
and
Catalonian Nights, Vol. 2
. With bassist
John Heard
and drummer
Tootie Heath
, the blind pianist is in top form on the first date, particularly on the extended workout of
Milt Jackson
's
blues
"D & E,"
a turbo charged
"Ladybird,"
and pulsing
"Blue Bossa."
The second concert kicks into high gear immediately with an inspired treatment of
"I'll Remember April,"
followed by a brief solo interpretation of the lovely
ballad
"A Child is Born"
that is used to segue into a waltzing trio version of
Miles Davis
'
"Tune Up"
and lengthy excursions into
"Willow Weep for Me"
"My Old Flame."
This enjoyable pair of live dates is easily recommended to fans of
hard bop
. ~ Ken Dryden