My Three Would Be... Jeremy Pelt

Every Week as part of Dani Elwell's "Sunday Afternoon Jazz," Dani asks notable personalities from all walks of life what their top three jazz tunes are.

This past Sunday's "my three would be...."  belonged to Jeremy Pelt. Jeremy is in town at the Rex with his quintet on june 22nd and 23rd.

Your three would be?

Wow- that's a hard question for sure. Three songs barely scratches the surface, but:

1.) "Look at that face"- Most people that are familiar with my playing in the slightest will know that I love ballads. It is one of the more heartwarming ode's to one's lover. "I'll find in NO book what I find when I look at that face" is one of my favorite lyrics EVER !

2.) "Bolivia"- Cedar Walton, Cedar Walton, CEDAR WALTON ! Every song he writes plays itself. This one is no exception, and I ALWAYS call it when I'm at a session or playing with a pick-up rhythm section. I'm also very spoiled to have played it numerous times with the composer.

3.) "Lotus Blossom" (Strayhorn)- is one of those songs written by Billy Strayhorn that, although I'm not completely sure there are lyrics,  immediately evokes a very ethereal image. It's equal parts melancholy and introspective. The most chilling version is Duke Ellington playing it in the studio while the band is packing up on "...and his mother called him Bill". A true genius wrote that song, and if I ever can write one note to fit one chord the way Mr. Strayhorn did, I will die a very satisfied man.

this coming sunday, its time for another listener list!!