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Reviews of 'Comin' Back Home' Don't know where Lou Montelione has been but it's a pleasure to welcome him home. Take my word, the man plays some serious jazz piano! Even better, don't take my work and listen for yourself. If you aren't as convinced as I was, well - listen a second time. You'll hear something new and exciting every time this abundantly melodious disc starts spinning. As George Foreman says, 'I guarantee it.' You may even find yourself glancing at the jacket from time to time to make sure you're not actually listening to one of jazz's 'big-name' keyboard artists. That's the sort of persuasive impression Montelione fashions on his debut recording, breezing confidently through song after song with a sure-handed technique and clear-headed conception that belie his relatively limited credentials. Equally impressive are Montelione's teammates, the rock-solid duo of Logan and Brooks and the ardent Stubblefield, whose dauntless explorations on tenor or soprano always convey him - and the listener - through extremely agreeable territory. The group has a wonderful time unraveling Logan's 'Gigology,' Scott LaFaro's 'Gloria's Step,' Dave Brubeck's 'In Your Own Sweet Way,' David Benoit's 'Some Other Sunset,' Montelione's 'Comin' Back Home' and the standards 'Beautiful Love' and 'I Fall in Love Too Easily.' Stubblefield steps aside on another enduring standard, Victor Young/Ned Washington's 'My Foolish Heart,' and on the warm-hearted finale, Montelione's appropriately titled 'Love Theme for My Family.' Montelione's parents, both of whom are pianists, must be smiling broadly; also his late stepfather, who played saxophone in Georgie Auld's big band, and great-grandfather, a trombonist with bands led by Paul Whiteman and Vincent Lopez. Me? After hearing Montelione play, I'm smiling too. And so will you. Jack Bowers, Jazz News 'I really enjoyed this one! You will, too. I gave it a 'most highly recommended' for those in love with jazz with character.' Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation 'Montelione is a lyrical player with a soft touch. His rapport with Brooks and Logan is keen.' Jon Morgan, Cadence 'A very impressive effort that helps define and stretch the boundaries of today's modern mainstream jazz.' Scott Yanow, All Music Guide To Jazz Press Release for 'Comin' Back Home' Jazzheads Records is pleased to present the debut CD from pianist Lou Montelione. What this exceptional performer brings to the keyboard is a deft touch, a refined approach, and a modern jazz sound that is tuneful, attractive, full of spirit and verve, and stepped in the jazz tradition without being a slave to it's conventions. Montelione and friends present a warm stack of standards like the poignant Dave Brubeck anthem 'In Your Own Sweet Way,' the stark romanticism evinced in 'I Fall in Love Too Easily,' or an atypically bouncy version of 'Beautiful Love,' the wonderful piano/bass duet on 'My Foolish Heart,' and originals like the deep blue modal title track and bassist Michael Logan's swinger 'Gigology.' All in all it's a substantive program of authentic jazz that should please any listener who likes to kick back and enjoy, yet notices classical motifs, some meaty improvisation, and the craftsmanship of artists skilled at their gift of music. For 'Comin' Back Home' Montelione brings together an impressive band. Bassist and composer Michael Logan, who has championed Montelione's pianistics in his own groups, is a strong, supple, supportive musician who knows just when to lay back or cut loose. For more evidence, check out his 1990 Muse CD 'Night Out.' Cecil Brooks III from New York City via Pittsburgh, is one of the better young drummers on the current scene. He does it all with undeniable technical facility, a forward motion and innate swing few can rival, peppered with a sense of taste beyond his years. Tenor and soprano saxophonist John Stubblefield, a true legend on his instruments, remains one of the most potent and explosive soloists in this music. His credentials as a sideman and as a leader speak volumes of the decades of tradition he has been involved in, from Miles Davis and Charles Mingus to the McCoy Tyner and Sun Ra big bands. Montelione has chosen his musical setting well, including the recording studio: Rudy Van Gelder's world famous jazz pad in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. After years of playing in a variety of different contexts, Montelione has sullied up to the mainstream jazz he loves, as evidenced in the title 'Comin' Back Home.' It's welcome return for a pianist whose soul runs deep in his music, with the threads of surprise woven in it's fabric. You'' hear the sensitive traces of Bill Evans, the hard drive of a Cedar Walton and even a little bit of Art Tatum's virtuosity. But in the end it's the voice of Montelione, yearning to be heard by you and yours. It won't take much effort to realize Lou Montelione's star is on the rise, and ready to take a position next to the most talented jazz pianists on the current scene. Braithwaite & Katz Communications.