recordings

Jim Ridl currently has 9 recordings which feature The Jim Ridl trio, quartet and quintet, solo, and larger ensembles including choir and strings. His two most recent recordings were both released in mid-2022: “Ask for the Ancient Path” features Scott Robinson saxes, Martin Wind bass, and Tim Horner drums; “Standards Live” the Jim Ridl Trio with Tim Lekan bass and Bob Shomo drums. Scroll through these recordings below for more information on each.

In addition, Jim can be heard on hundreds of other artists’ recordings. A few favorites are listed below - a rotating list - definitely worth a listen!

Want one?

Of course, Jim’s recordings are available online, but you might consider purchasing them directly from Jim. You know how it is…. Please visit the store on this site and use PayPal when checking out, or send me an email for other arrangements. $20, shipping included. Thank you!

Ask for the Ancient Path

Jim Ridl piano and Privia Px-300, Scott Robinson soprano, alto, tenor saxophones and tarogato, Martin Wind acoustic bass, Tim Horner drums and percussion. These master improvisors explore JIm’s original compositions. Recorded in 2014, released in 2022.
Standards Live

Jim Ridl piano, Tim Lekan bass, Bob Shomo drums. Recorded live in 2014 and released in 2022, the long-standing piano trio interprets and swings jazz standards and a few originals.
Jim Ridl's Blue Corn Enchilada Dreams

Jim Ridl piano & keyboards, Terell Stafford trumpet, John Benitez bass, Donald Edwards drums. Recorded and released in 2011, Jim composed music and poetry inspired by the land, people and food of beautiful New Mexico. (The original release included poetry and artwork in the liner notes, which is available upon request.)
Jim Ridl's Door in a Field Volume 2: Songs of the Green River

The epic second volume, released 2016, in the ongoing Door in a Field projects, musically depicting young life on a family farm in North Dakota.
Your Cheatin' Heart and other works

Jim Ridl, Ron Kerber, JD Walter, Steve Varner, Jim Miller, and guest Jef Lee Johnson create magic in the studio (2005) with Jim’s original compositions, and standards like Cheatin’ Heart, Tennessee Waltz and Caravan.
jim ridl's door in a field (v1)

The critically acclaimed first release in the Door in a Field projects (2003), Ridl musically depicts young life on a family farm in North Dakota. Jim Ridl piano, Darryl Hall bass, Mark Walker, plus Diane Monroe (violin), Kathy Ridl (viola and accordion), Jeffrey Solow (cello). Tracks include now classic Ridl compositions, including Sun on My Hands, Sweet Clover, Discin', and Thirty Foot Ceiling.
Blues Liberations

Jim Ridl, solo piano
Released in 2000, this is a solo piano exploration of the blues form - spontaneous compositions, free improvisation.
The Jim Ridl Trio LIVE

Jim Ridl piano. Steve Varner bass. Jim Miller drums. “Preserving a concert in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, LIVE's virtuosic pianist Jim Ridl reinvents the "power trio." Released in 2001, this recording captures the energy and creativity of this long-standing trio in a live performance. A mix of Ridl’s originals (First Rose, Only Half a Cup, Get After It Boogie) and classic jazz repertoire (Cherokee, Caravan).
the jim ridl trio: five minutes to madness and joy

Jim Ridl piano. Darryl Hall bass. Jim Miller drums. With Jim Ridl’s first release as a leader (1999 on Synergy Records), this recording gained recognition for Ridl’s compositions and arrangements, his alternating virtuosic and lyrical piano playing, and the trio’s remarkable ensemble interchange.

and a few recordings with other artists.

(Far too many great projects to include here, and i am grateful to have been involved. So this will be a rotating list…check back every now and then for some additional listening adventures)