Whispering – 1992
Dick Hyman
The pianist makes the near-impossible look so easy
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Dick Hyman, who turned 94 in 2021, is one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
Due to his wide musical interests, ability to closely emulate a dozen other pianists, and his quiet productivity, he tends to be underrated but, make no mistake about it, he ranks near the top.
While Hyman can play in many styles, his affection for early stride and swing piano is obvious.
During this version of “Whispering” (a hit for Paul Whiteman in 1920 and the basis for Dizzy Gillespie’s “Groovin’ High” 25 years later), Hyman makes his virtuosic striding and passages that recall Art Tatum sound so natural and effortless; look at his calm expression as he plays.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald