A Respectful Mutiny From Caine

Jazz pianist Uri Caine has made a succession of remarkable discs deconstructing pieces by classical composers and this "best of" compilation titled The Classic Variations is an ideal place to begin sampling them and a fine listening experience in its' own right. Composers given the Caine treatment here are Bach, Beethoven, Mahler, Wagner, Verdi and Mozart. Writing of the Caine treatment might imply some lack of respect from him but these are serious musical endeavours where the source music is thoroughly respected and used as a jumping off point for thoughtful expansion, as opposed to a vehicle for ego and empty virtuousic display . There is humour in some of the adaptations where humour fits into the context but in most cases the works have serious musical intent. The other notable aspect of these variations is the variety that Caine is able to impart. They are by no means simply piano jazz improvisations on his part. He does play very well on several tracks but there are also stellar contributions from clarinet and violin by Chris Speed and Mark Feldman among others plus lute, string quartet, viola, gospel vocals, organ and guitar and scratch turntables. The disc is summed up by the two lengthy closing tracks. Mozart's Turkish Rondo morphs from an Arabic call to prayer to a klezmer jazz workout while Mahler's famous Adagietto from Symphony No 5 is deconstructed and put together again in the most haunting yet respectful way.