Frank Hailey

Frank Hailey: Passing It Around

by Dave Nathan
March 1, 2002

This is Texas-based Frank Hailey's first outing as a leader. Hailey is a cousin of seminal jazz pianist and composer Cedar Walton. But as this CD amply illustrates, Hailey need not invoke the reputation of his well-known relative to gain recognition, revealing he is a fine piano performer in his own right. The thirteen tune play list includes Hailey originals along with familiar material, including a tune from the world of the Mississippi delta in Bobby Gentry's “Ode to Billy ...