Hugh Lawson & Richard Wyands - Jazzcraft Studio Recordings 1977-78 (2012)

“Better last than never” is the way of introducing the veteran pianist Richard Wyands in his first effort as a leader. Richard chose two very compatible sidemen for his first outing. Lisle Atkinson was in 1978 becoming one of the most sought-after bassists on the New York scene. David Lee is probably best known for his previous stints with Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins. Richard Wyands influences are Herbie Hancock, Ahmad Jamal and McCoy but he is still very much his own man. Hugh Lawson is another underrated pianist. Hugh Lawson was born in Detroit. He is one of a long line of Detroit pianists like Hank Jones, Barry Harris and Tommy Flanagan. Hugh Lawson’s roots of his style seem to lie within the music of Bud Powell and Art Tatum. This is his first opportunity to record as a leader. Bob Cranshaw is like a “household word” among the many excellent bassists who works in New York. Ben Riley was part of a rhythm section backing the two-tenor of Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and Johnny Griffin.