Midnight Mood

I am grateful to Frédéric Loiseau for asking François Zalacain to make the project possible with me. It was a surprise to learn of his wishes. I believe that the idea to record with me came to him because of the song he wrote, originally titled "Song For Meredith". His composition inspired me to write lyrics to his tune which developed into a true romantic tale about meeting my special friend, Robert. The title of the song became "Beaucoup Kisses". It was Frederic's hope that I would be playing piano for our duo. Sadly, my ability to create on the piano was interrupted early this year, while preparing charts for each song. Paul McWiliams, a long-time friend, whose piano playing I have admired and respected, rescued me from my impending embarrassment. So we became a trio for the album. // The album's title comes from one of my favorite tunes by Joe Zawinul. When I first heard Bill Evans's version of "Midnight Mood" I was swept away with it's beauty. For many decades I kept Joe's tune hidden in the back of my mind. The lyrics were building until they finally burst onto manuscript. When François presented my lyric to Joe I was thrilled to learn of his reaction. It would have been recorded on my last album, but, sadly, Joe passed away one week after he saw the lyrics with no time to properly plan for the recording of it. // I chose songs for this album that I have loved for many long decades. I believe that these songs should never be forgotten. I hope they will be considered as standards forever. // I might add that hearing the beauty, and sensitivity and hip jazz ideas of Frederic's guitar playing lifts me to the skies! And I am pleased to share with the jazz world the lovely sounds of Paul McWilliams. -Meredith