“Better late than never”. This expression is my special way of introducing a very fine set of trio jazz by the veteran pianist Richard Wyands (born 1928). Like so many other pianists in jazz he has had a long career as an accompanist both in clubs and on records, but this is his first effort as a leader. His crisp, firm attack and clarity of line immediately impressed me reminding very much of one of my all-time favorites, Hank Jones. In the years that have followed other influences (Herbie Hancock, Ahmad Jamal, McCoy Tyner for example) have crept into his playing, but he is still very much his own man. Richard chose two very compatible sidemen for his first outing. Lisle Atkinson is becoming (and rightly so) one of the most sought-after bassists on the New York scene. I have fond memories of participating with David Lee in some Monday night sessions at the now defunct Club Baron in Harlem. David is probably best known for his previous stints with Gillespie and Rollins. His strong contributions together with Lisle’s beautiful, singing lines do much to enhance the over-all quality of this session. From the original album liner notes by HORACE PARLAN
