A fixture in the Los Angeles trad circuit for 30 years, pianist Marvin Ash is somewhat forgotten today but he was a talented and valuable player for a long period. This jump LP (which will hopefully be reissued on CD someday) finds Ash in prime form performing 14 piano solos. Unlike some other dates where he was stuck playing a tack piano, on this occasion Ash had a good piano and there were no gimmicks. He explores seven superior standards (including "Tishomingo Blues," "Sensation" and "Sister Kate"), three originals (including two versions of his "Pearl House Rag") and three obscurities highlighted by "Temptation Rag" and Bob Zurke's "Nightcap." Well worth searching for by fans of stride and trad-jazz piano. ~ Scott Yanow
