John Lee - Second Wind (2024) [Hi-Res]

When my dear friend Cory Weeds asked me what I wanted to do for my sophomore recording, I had no clue what I wanted to do. We started tossing around a couple of ideas and I can't remember who said it first, but somehow the idea of doing a piano trio recording with Kenny Washington and Peter Washington came up. To me, it was almost a joke - the idea of recording with my favorite rhythm section of all time since I was 19 years old wasn't realistic in my mind.

However, Cory being the kind of person he is basically had it drafted up within a few days and it was on. I knew that this project would be something special. Everything that sums up my style of piano playing comes from my favorite modern heroes Benny Green and Bill Charlap. What a monumental occasion to be able to record with their long time friends and rhythm section. I started putting together the repertoire we would record that would play to the strength of this combo which was a combination of things I've been playing for a long time while also writing some new material that I knew Kenny and Peter would be able to interpret beautifully. We had one day in the studio and the entire session was over in just a few hours. I was supported and encouraged by Peter through his kind words of appreciation about my playing and musical selections. I greatly appreciated Kenny's attention to detail and dedication to my music as he would ask for more takes so he can give me the best result he could possibly give. Cory was there supporting me through every minute and making sure that we were on track and recording the best possible music. My first experiences recording was through Cellar Live and I always feel the most comfortable having him around in the studio. I hope that people enjoy listening to this recording as much as I enjoyed making it. Don't expect to find any innovation here - It is just swinging hard with intricacy. It is music for all people.

This recording is in dedication to my mother Hyun Joo Lee who passed away unexpectedly in January 2023. You never know what someone is going through. Widow's Remorse. Tell your loved ones just how much you love them and never take them for granted. It Happened To Me. Sometimes, you might feel confused. Why Was I Born? Sometimes, you might feel alone. It's a Blue World. The cure is to express yourself through the means you know best. Music! Music! Music! In the darkest of times, you pick yourself up and carry on. Second Wind. Innocence is truly bliss. Young At Heart. One day, we'll meet again and I'll tell you all the stories. Curtain Call.

Special thanks to Cory Weeds, Yvonne De Troye, Kenny Washington and Peter Washington for the support to carry out this project. As my dear mentor Ralph Peterson Jr used to say: Onward and Upward...

John Lee - piano
Peter Washington - bass
Kenny Washington - drums