by Ken DrydenDon Friedman had been active as a jazz pianist for nearly 40 years by the time of this solo concert at Maybeck Recital Hall in 1993, yet still deserving of wider recognition. Friedman's performance is a breathtaking from the first track to the last, beginning with his incredible interpretation of Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way." His shimmering take of the moody ballad "Alone Together" incorporates a few Art Tatum-like runs. The beautiful voicings within his arrangement of "Prelude to a Kiss" are not to be missed. "Memory for Scotty" is an original dedicated to Scott LaFaro, a talented young bassist killed in a 1961 car wreck just a few days after making history at the Village Vanguard during a date which produced several memorable albums by Bill Evans. Friedman's classical background becomes obvious during this brilliant lament. For those unfamiliar with Don Friedman's extensive recordings under his own name, this is a great CD to start with, though one shouldn't tarry, as Concord has sadly deleted this highly recommended release from their active catalog.