Five-Star Collection... George Wallington

George Wallington

George Wallington Trio

George Wallington, pianist, composer and arranger, was born in Palermo, Italy on October 27, 1924. He began his musical career in New York learning the mandolin and violin at the age of six. At the age of nine, he studied piano under the guidance of a private tutor. By the time he was fifteen, he was playing in various night spots in Greenwich Village. When modern music came on the scene, George played with Dizzy Gillespie's famed first bop band at the Onyx Club in 1944.

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Until the release of this album, the rich aesthetic qualities of Wallington's music and playing have never truly been heard. You'll find his piano work fresh, humorous and exciting. To complement George’s performances, two of the finest musicians were selected: namely Max Roach and Curley Russell.

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George took great care in creating, developing and composing the five originals "Twins", "Polka Dot", "High Score", "Hyacinth", and "Joy Bell". Each composition differs from the other in chord structure and feeling and not one is based on any standard or popular melody so commonly used by other modern composers. Certainly you will agree with us that these originals are wonderful and that this is George Wallington at his best. *Gus Grant (from the liner notes)*

George Wallington, whom we'd always thought of as just an average bop pianist, surprised us with the evident care and preparation put into this LP of five originals and three standards. This music is brittle but subtle, as different from Ellis Larkins as fire from ice, but just as successful. The originals are original, High Score being a particularly attractive riff creation.

Accompaniment by Max Roach and Curley Russell is splendid. Max takes a long solo on Fine and Dandy which was unnecessary and spoils the mood.

Important conclusion: here is one pianist who has truly approached the incisive sound and individual touch of Bud Powell. One-word summation: George!

(Down Beat, Chicago, July 16, 1952 [5 stars])

Note: Adapted from the original source; typographical and spelling errors have been corrected.

Side 1

1 - Twins

(George Wallington)

2 - Polka Dot

(George Wallington)

3 - I'll Remember April

(Ray, DePaul, Johnston)

4 - High Score

(George Wallington)

Side 2

5 - Hyacinth

(George Wallington)

6 - Joy Bell

(George Wallington)

7 - I Didn't Know What Time It Was

(Rodgers, Hart)

8 - Fine And Dandy

(Swift, James)

George Wallington (piano), Curley Russell (bass),  Max Roach (drums).

Recorded in New York City, November 21, 1951