The Many Sides of Denny Zeitlin

His latest recording, Panoply, is a dynamic blend of musical energy.

Sometimes, a first impression becomes a treasured memory. I recall the first time I heard pianist Denny Zeitlin on Jeremy Steig’s *Flute Fever* in the mid-60s. This Columbia recording, produced by the legendary John Hammond, showcased Steig's energetic, innovative flute playing and the cosmic synergy between Steig and his bandmates, particularly Zeitlin, then a medical student at Johns Hopkins.

Hammond was so impressed by Zeitlin that he produced the pianist’s first three trio recordings - Cathexis, Carnival, and Zeitgeist. Listening to Denny’s music, I was struck by his unique style, blending elements of jazz, classical, and avant-garde music. His improvisational skills and innovative approach to harmony and rhythm quickly earned him a respected place among jazz pianists.

Over the past sixty years, Zeitlin has produced an extensive discography, with numerous albums as a leader and sideman. He is also a noted composer, creating original compositions celebrated for their complexity and emotional depth, most notably, Quiet Now, which Bill Evans recorded.  His work includes not only jazz pieces but also a film scores, the 1978 sci-fi horror film Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Here, Denny’s solo piano rendition of his “Quiet Now,” from the 1983 Berlin Jazz Festival.

In addition to his music career, Denny Zeitlin is a practicing psychiatrist and professor, reflecting his deep engagement with both music and the human condition. I finally met Denny in 2004 when he contacted me about producing his website. We quickly became friends, and I learned about his passion for wine, fly fishing, and mountain biking. We've made several videos together, including a tour of his wine cellar. A dinner with Dr. Zeitlin is a total delight, with each course featuring a distinct wine from his collection, ensuring the perfect harmony between food and drink.

In recent decades, Denny Zeitlin's music has included solo piano performances, trio engagements with the group he’s led since 2001, with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson, and duo explorations with drummer George Marsh in the electronic realm.

From one of his annual solo piano concerts at Piedmont Piano, Monk’s Evidence.

Now, at the age of 86, Denny Zeitlin is still moving full steam ahead. His latest release on François Zalacain’s boutique label, Sunnyside Records, Panoply, offers a captivating overview of his recent work across all three of his musical configurations. Denny meticulously curated this program to create a seamless blend of acoustic and electronic music, ensuring smooth transitions that allow the music to unfold naturally.

The solo piano performances are taken from a series of concerts at Piedmont Piano in Oakland, not far from his Marin county home. The trio selections are from one of his annual appearances at Mezzrow in New York.

Denny’s live performances are highly regarded for their spontaneity and creativity. He often pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz. What’s most striking here, as with all of his playing, is the emotional depth of his music. “Only One” by the late bassist Bill Lee, truly touches the heart. Denny’s take on the standard “Cherokee” is a total tour de force most likely sending piano players back to the woodshed.

The electronic music, which is produced in his home studio, offers a vast array of instruments and possibilities, but always sounding perfectly organic. These collaborations explore deep emotional landscapes and imaginative realms, blending acoustic and electronic elements to create a unique and reflective sound experience.

One can’t help but be struck by the vibrant diversity of music on Panoply. It transitions from lyrical solo piano to swinging trio tunes to otherworldly explorations, reflecting Denny’s remarkably creative mind, unbound by musical constraints.

I turn seventy-five in a couple of weeks, and I can only hope that when I’m eighty-six, I’ll still be pushing artistic boundaries like Denny Zeitlin.

A couple of years ago, Denny recorded Jimmy Rowles “The Peacocks.” I had a lot of fun adding peacock footage. Birds live!

Listen to a sample track and purchase Panoply.