Keyboardist Jeff Babko and bassist David Piltch are captured in a new live duo recording called The Libretto Show.
The set was recorded live in an intimate setting at the new Libretto Jazz Lounge in Paso Robles, Calif.
When Babko stopped into a coffee shop one day, he ended up chatting with the owner, Cory Jordan, and discovered that the two of them held a mutual love for great pianos. Along with the coffee shop, Jordan had also just opened the Libretto, which was furnished with a Steinway 9’ Model D “CD 213” — the first choice of pianists like John Williams, Emanuel Ax and Lang Lang.
Six months after the venue opened, Babko made his own impression on the celebrated Steinway and invited the Canadian bassist Piltch. The seven-song performance was recorded by engineer Jimmy Dixon and mastered by Eric Boulanger. It features songs by Dr. John, Denny Zietlin, Antônio Carlos Jobim and Ornette Coleman, along with some Babko originals.
One of the original tunes is “Brethren From Another Methren”, a tribute to JAZZ.FM91 host Brad Barker, with whom he co-hosts the weekly podcast The View From L.A.
The recording also includes a guest appearance by Babko’s wife, the violinist Songa Lee, who plays on Jobim’s “Ligia.”
Here’s the track listing:
- Dorothy
- Fair Enough
- Quiet Now
- Ligia
- Souvenirs of Hollywood
- Brethren From Another Methren
- Blue and Red
Jeff Babko and David Piltch’s The Libretto Show is out June 23, 2023.
