Lee Shaw: Foots

At first listen, you'll undoubtedly be struck by the high energy level (I was reminded of Chick Corea, the A.R.C years) as well as the busted harmonic collisions of Monk. What's amazing is that pianist Lee Shaw is playing like this in her 80s! On "Foots," Shaw's solos have a certain economy, showing a vital passion for the tune that comes across as focus. Whether she's comping for her simpatico cohorts, flying through and embellishing the head, or taking yet another new and surprising route through the changes, Shaw seems completely and joyously in her element. A well-known former piano student (whose initials are John Medeski) quoted her advice to him as "Play whatever you feel." She not only takes her own advice, she lives it.