Fred Hersch's 'Amazing' (WSJ) 'Whirl' Of A Year

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Shore Fire Media) - 2010 has been a big year for Fred Hersch, with 'Whirl' (Palmetto), his first newrecording since a near-death coma experience, garnering unanimous praise from critics.

"The breadth and scope of pianist Fred Hersch's music is nothing less than amazing," said the Wall Street Journal.

"'Whirl' maintains his unconventional rhythms, his disdain for cliche', and his ear for fashioning heaven-sent melody," Vanity Fair raved.

"Unflinching," NPR's "All Things Considered" said. "It demonstrates that his musical gifts were merely interrupted... with 'Whirl,' Hersch can build on his firmly established style and versatility."

All About Jazz called 'Whirl' "the full flowering of his pianistic and interpretive genius,' and Jazz Times described the album as "a monolith of feeling."

"There seems to be more relaxation, maybe more depth, more direct connection to what I'm playing," Hersch recently told NPR's "Fresh Air."

In a review in its September issue, DownBeat agrees, saying: "Fred Hersch's recovery from a harrowing near-death experience would be reason enough to celebrate, But even more rejoicing is in order, as 'Whirl' demonstrates that he returns with his artistry undiminished."

DownBeat's Dan Ouellette will give Hersch the magazine's famed Blindfold Test live as part of the pianist's Monterey Jazz Festival debut in September. Find out more here:
https://www.montereyjazzfestival.org/2010/artists/fred-hersch-trio/index.php