Discovery

The major jazz polls in America have a special section called "Talent Deserving Wider Recognition". If ever we had a candidate in Australia it must be Jann Rutherford, a highly respected pianist among musicians for a number of years, but with this CD releasing her first recording under her own name, though she has added much to other releases by Graeme Norris, "Pentatomic", and Ed Hughes, "Ed Street". Jann, in 1990 and 1991, won second place in the very competitive Wangaratta National Jazz Piano Competition. In 1992, she took first prize.

Jann Rutherford's sensitivity is heard in her touch and fine technique at the piano and in her compositions which are enhanced by her humour and lyricism. The moods vary from pieces dedicated to musical allies to images like "Towards The Flame", inspired by "someone bringing their cigarette towards the flame, rather than the usual custom of bringing the lighter towards the cigarette." Solo piano is a special form, and Jann Rutherford is an accomplished performer.

Pianist Jann Rutherford's wait to record her first album is reflected in its feeling of full ripeness. Flights of Fancy I is an exceptional improvisation: spacious and gentle, with a compelling narrative capped by glorious treble notes left glistening in the air. ... The compositions are to be admired as much as her consummate playing, sharing a trademark concision of ideas. ... Superbly recorded, the piano will live in your listening room.