Personnel:
Duke Pearson (p), Gene Taylor (b), Lex Humphries (d)
Reference: FSRCD 638
Bar code: 8427328606387
Columbus Calvin Pearson Jr. (Atlanta, Georgia, August 17, 1932, August 4, 1980), better known as Duke Pearson, set great store by lyricism and flowing, effortless swing every time he played. I try to get to the heart of each tune, he said. I try to get to the meaning of someone elses tune. He was equally adept when scoring his own compositions or setting the work of others.
This brilliant pianist was not afraid of unabashed romanticism, a quality very much in evidence throughout his improvisations on these trio performances and expressed through his gentle, warm, almost sensuous touch. Alongside him, bassist Gene Taylors work is unfailingly impeccable, and Lex Humphries provides ample confirmation of his reputation as a sensitive, thoroughly reliable drummer.
The interaction within the group is at all times of the highest level in a virtually flawless demonstration of the art of reflective, many-faceted jazz piano trio playing.
"Duke Pearson was significant as an arranger, composer and producer. 'Profile & Tender Feelin's' puts the spotlight on his piano playing on a pair of fairly obscure 1959 trio albums with bassist Gene Taylor and drummer Lex Humphries. Throughout, Pearson shows that he was a top hard bop pianist influenced by Bud Powell but already at this early stage displaying his own musical personality."
—Scott Yanow
Los Angeles Jazz Scene
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"Tender Feelin's is an appropriate title for Duke Pearson's second album for Blue Note. The record is a lovely, relaxed collection of ballads, standards, and jazz staples, with a few originals thrown in for good measure. Since Pearson sticks to the trio format, supported by bassist Gene Taylor and drummer Lex Humphries, the mood of the album remains intimate and low-key. Pearson flourishes in this setting, whether he's playing blues, romantic ballads, or surprisingly lyrical improvised solos. Pearson would later explore more adventurous territory, as well as funkier grooves, but Tender Feelin's remains a wonderfully understated, romantic mainstream jazz record."
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine (All Music Guide)
