High Voicings vs. Low Voicings

For all the pianists out there, I want to know your thoughts on voicings played higher on the piano versus lower on the piano, specifically in performance settings with a trio or larger.

I've gotten a lot a flack recently at jam sessions for choosing to voice chords lower on the instrument and playing roots in my left hand. I prefer the "meatier" sound, and don't get me wrong, I understand the importance of playing rootless voicings higher up on the instrument. But, I just really can't stand when the other musicians on the bandstand (not just the bass players) say stuff like "Those are only meant for solo piano" or "You're playing too low in the bass".

Would they have the nerve to say that to guys like Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones, John Lewis, Barry Harris, etc. who primarily comped in that baritone-bass range of the piano? In the end, I take the high road and cater to the request, but it seems like there can be some serious ignorance in this particular area among non-pianists. Rootless voicings are just as important, and I totally understand why, but just because people like Bill Evans and Red Garland came along shouldn't mean that comping low on the piano is a deadly sin. Thoughts? Much appreciated!

Barry Harris even tells stories of when he recorded with Ray Brown, George Duvivier, Paul Chambers, and George Mraz and he claims that they never once told him to get out of the bass range. Not ONCE. That says a lot.

Yelling while someone is playing is bad, I've probably received some of that before too.

By the way, since you know your jazz fairly well, feel free to review some albums, your reviews will show on our front page. You don't have to be a pro writer to review.