Notes:
A consumate accompanist who has played sideman to some of jazz's elite, pianist Rick Germanson is also a stellar soloist with a solid command of bebop vocabulary and an elegant touch on ballads. Backed by the regal rhythm tandem of bassist Gerald Cannon and legendary drummer Louis Hayes, Germanson brings all of those qualities to bear in winning fashion on Off The Cuff, his third outing as a leader and debut for the eclectic and artist-friendly Owl Studios label.

Together the trio demonstrates requisite fire on up-tempo burners and uncommon grace on ballads. And the superb sonic quality of the recording brings every nuance of their interaction into crystal clarity.

Indeed. It's a wonderful triumvirate. all instruments speak eloquently and on equal footing throughout this brilliant and highly interactive trio session. - Bill Milkowski




Artist Roster:
Rick Germanson: piano
Gerald Cannon: bass
Louis Hayes: drums



Track Listing:
1. Quagmire
2. Jill's Song
3. Daytona
4. Up Jumped Spring
5. This Time The Dream's On Me
6. Wives and Lovers
7. The Way of Water
8. Autumn In New York
9. Brick
10. Any Thoughts?



Reviews:

Pianist Germanson has been a highly in-demand pianist on the New York City jazz scene for nearly a decade now. The Milwaukee native has garnered a lot of attention of late, having been a mainstay in guitarist Pat Martino’s group for many years. This trio includes bassist Gerald Cannon and the one and only Louis Hayes, now in his mid-80s, on drums. Hayes leads the Cannonball Legacy Band, an ensemble that includes Germanson. This is a fine trio recording, one filled with original sentiment whether the group is playing one of Germanson’s tunes or a classic such as “Up Jumped Spring.” JON POSES (Columbia Daily Tribune)



Pianist Rick Germanson has worked with a number of veteran bandleaders since moving to New York City in 1998, including long stints with Pat Martino and also Louis Hayes' Cannonball Legacy Band. This is his third CD as a leader, though the first to be issued in the U.S., well accompanied by Hayes and bassist Gerald Cannon. The pianist's "Quagmire" is a breezy hard bop opener that one can easily imagine with horns added, with Hayes adding a light touch on brushes. The lyrical influence of Kenny Barron is apparent in his subdued, lush setting of Freddie Hubbard's timeless waltz "Up Jumped Spring," while Germanson's buoyant treatment of Burt Bacharach's "Wives and Lovers" (a favorite of Ella Fitzgerald) gives it a new life. Also not to be missed is Germanson's explosive miniature hard bop vehicle "Brick," which Hayes builds to a boil with his opening solo. Recommended. KEN DRYDEN (All Music Guide)