Duke Pearson's lengthy career includes several highlights, as a pianist, producer, arranger, and composer. His contributions can be heard on many a Blue Note album although 1959's TENDER FEELIN'S was just his second LP for the label. In this case, Pearson's playing lives up to the title; in fact, this could be subtitled "Music For Lovers." Accompanied only by bass and drums, this set has a timelessly relaxed and comforting vibe throughout. Later in the 1960s, Pearson would get funky, but TENDER captures him when he was simply a jazz pianist, playing lyrically and romantically.