Johnny Varro - Everything I Love (2006)

Johnny Varro is a talented pianist who recorded a handful of excellent recordings for various small labels before joining forces with Arbors to make a series of rewarding CDs, of which this is his first. Accompanied by bassist Dave Stone and drummer Gene Estes, it is easy to hear why he became a favorite at various jazz parties during the 1990s, as he swings effortlessly while never losing sight of the melody. Influenced by a number of top pianists from the swing era, Varro does not restrict himself to the usual standards or just one style of playing. His imaginative approaches to less frequently performed tunes like "Love Is a Simple Thing" and Cole Porter's "You're Sensational" merit attention alongside standards such as "All By Myself." His sauntering take of Leonard Bernstein's "Some Other Time," the lush treatment of Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debbie," and a crisp bossa nova arrangement of "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" are ample evidence that he has a wide range of musical interests. Recommended. ~Ken Dryden