Larry Fuller, Hassan Shakur & Lewis Nash - Overjoyed (2019)

A masterful pianist whose soulful artistry and ability to emotionally connect with his audiences match his striking technical expertise – learned his craft the old fashioned way: on the bandstand. Honing his impressive talents with four giants of mainstream jazz: the legendary bassist Ray Brown, famed vocalist Ernestine Anderson, drum giant Jeff Hamilton, and acclaimed guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, Fuller developed a personal style both relentlessly swinging and outwardly expressive. On his new release, Overjoyed, Fuller translates that invaluable experience into a deeply personal statement of jubilation directly communicated through rhythmically charged, yet sensitively inflected, improvisation. Melding in harmony with the bassist Hassan Shakur and drummer Lewis Nash, Fuller and his gifted compatriots inject soul and cheer into the Great American Songbook, Jazz, Blues, and Pop standards as well as companionable originals.