Peter Friedman

So What, My Favorite Things, and Take Five could all be put on the shelf for a while.

I agree with the point many here are making that one can make a very often played tune interesting by the way they perform it. However, a key point I was trying to make in my original post seems to have been overlooked by some. For example, Ellington wrote a huge number of very fine tunes, yet most of them get little if any playing time. What about these Ellington tunes - Back Room Romp, Tired Socks, or Hot and Bothered? When have you last heard any of these? Many other jazz musicians such as (for example) Horace Silver, Hank Mobley, and Cedar Walton wrote a large number of good jazz tunes, yet we hear perhaps 2 or 3 of their tunes and the rest are rarely played. I for one would love to hear a variety of those other interesting tunes rather than be limited by one more version of (another example) Strollin' .

Ain't Misbehaving

Beethoven - String Quartet No.1,Op18/1 and Mozart - Piano Concerto No.25, K.503

Vol.6

There are a number of tunes played by jazz musicians that seem to turn up very very often. Many of them are by Ellington or Strayhorn. By and large they are very fine tunes, but what about the numerous other excellent tunes that are rarely performed. All the "overplayed" tunes are not by Ellington or Strayhorn. Here are some I would mention. You may have others to add, and/or disagree with those I listed. Take The A Train Lush Life Round Midnight It Don't Mean A Thing ...... In A Sentimental Mood Green Dolphin Street Caravan Body and Soul Cottontail

One of my favorite Johnny Griffin albums.

As I read through this thread, my conclusion is that with only very rare exceptions, none of the pianists considered hold any interest for me.

Jimmy Rowles (duo) - Remember When

Schubert - Piano Trio No.2, D.929

Beethoven - Violin Sonata No.10, Op.96 and Mozart - Symphony No.40, K.550

Kenny Baker Presents - The Half Dozen ...After Hours

Beethoven - Symphony No.6 - "Pastoral"