Charlie Haden Quartet West —
Haunted Heart ... CD Verve/Gitanes, 1991. Used ...
$1.99
Charlie Haden's ode to the silver screen, Raymond Chandler, and 1940s Hollywood – with help from Ernie Watts on tenor, AlanBroadbent on piano, and Lawrence Marable on drums – plus vocals from Jo Stafford, Jeri Southern, and Billie Holiday. CD
A tribute to Wes Montgomery, in case you can't guess by the title – with a number of tunes penned by Wes himself! Other players include Bob James on piano and keyboards, Dave Witham on Hammond B3, Harvey Mason on drums and percussion, and AlanBroadbent on piano. CD
Beautiful work from bassist Charlie Haden and his Quartet West – a lovely look back at the styles and chanteuses of the 50s & 60s noirish jazz – with some lush strings accompaniment and guest vocalists including Cassandra Wilson, Melody Gardot, Norah Jones, Ruth Cameron and Diana Krall! It's the kind of thing that could come of hokey without a genuine love if the material in the mix, and the Haden & co. pull it off wonderfully. The quartet players include Ernie Watts on tenor, AlanBroadbent on piano and Rodney Green on drums. Includes "If I'm Lucky" with Melody Gardot, "Sophisticated Lady", "Today I Am A Man", "Ill Wind" with Norah Jones, "My Love And I" with Cassandra Wilson, "Theme From 'Markham'", "Angel Faces", "Goodbye" with Diana Krall, "Wahoo" and more. CD
Wicked work from saxophonist Don Menza – really stretching out here in a massively beautiful 70s session for Catalyst Records! Menza was a heck of a player, but one who mostly kept things pretty close to the chest – yet on this album, he blows with a soulful, flowing tone that's simply impeccable – gently gliding along electric rhythms with a really mellow feel! The album unfolds like the petals of some hip 70s flower – gently opening up from tune to tune, peeling back layer upon layer of soulful sound – as Menza blows on tenor, soprano, and flute – with a group that includes AlanBroadbent on piano and electric keys, Frank Rosolino on trombone, and Paulinho and Claudio Slon on percussion. All tracks are original, and titles include "Samba De Rollins", "Magnolia Rose", "Ballad Of The Matador", and "Groove Blues". Features a full bonus CD of alternate tracks from the session – plus the unissued titles "Bones Blues", "Intrigue", and "Spanish Boots". CD