About this Album

Five recording sessions took place in February 2006 in a Philadelphia recording studio using a 1928 Steinway concert grand piano. The performances were recorded at 24-bit, 88.2 KHz resolution (88 keys played with 2 hands). With each pianist in an identical setting, it was left to the players alone to reveal the full spectrum of styles and intentions within each composition and its interpreter, as well as the common threads that tie all the artists to a shared tradition, an extended musical family.

The pianists:
Tom Lawton, Trudy Pitts, Dave Posmontier, Jim Ridl, Don Wilson, Sid Simmons, Ron Thomas, Bill Schilling, Lucas Brown, Paul Sottile, Rich Budesa, Gary Moran, George Burton, Neil Podgurski

Featuring compositions by:
John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Pat Martino, Hank Mobley, Sun Ra, Bobby Timmons, McCoy Tyner

Produced and engineered by Todd Horton

"Like a set of fine China, this album is characterized by its craftsmanship, delicacy and sheer beauty. " - Vic Shermer, All About Jazz

“This project offers an opportunity for music lovers to appreciate and enjoy the composing skills of Philadelphia’s Jazz Legends, played by talented pianists.” - Jimmy Heath

"To have been included by Todd Horton with the likes of John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan, Sun Ra, McCoy Tyner and Bobby Timmons is quite an honor in itself, then to be represented by two formidable artists, who both participated in my own evolutional history is remarkable as well. The feelings that come from these two chosen compositions, “The Great Stream”, performed by Jim Ridl, and “A Portrait of Diana”, performed by Ron Thomas are unique, maybe because the themes themselves not only remind me of countless moments throughout their past performances, but even more, how they both generously provide a canvas for these artists to create their individual paintings upon. Their interpretations are superb! I’m proud to remain connected not only with Ron and Jim, but also with all the other artists included in this project. JAZZADELPHIA is great!!" - Pat Martino