Donald Brown is a phenomenal composer in his own right, but he primarily concentrates on overlooked gems during these 1998 sessions. He's joined by alto saxophonist
Bill Easley (who doubles on clarinet and flute), trumpeter and flügelhornist
Stephane Belmondo, vibraphonist
Steve Nelson, bassist
Essiet Essiet, and drummer
Billy Higgins.
Brown's imaginative scoring of
Billy Strayhorn's gorgeous ballad "Day Dream" showcases
Nelson's sparse vibes and
Easley's lyrical clarinet.
Thad Jones' "Quiet Lady," one of many treasures that awaits discovery by the jazz world, is an easygoing waltz with crisp brushwork by
Higgins.
Duke Pearson, another neglected composer, is represented with a driving rendition of "Big Bertha," a piece that could easily have been a part of
Brown's repertoire while he was music director for
Art Blakey.
Easley's haunting flute is backed solely by
Brown's thoughtful piano in a brilliant arrangement of
Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," which also spotlights
Belmondo's rich flügelhorn. The one standard of the date is a snappy cover of "Like Someone in Love."
Donald Brown also contributed three originals, with the upbeat "Enchanté!" especially standing out. Fans of this veteran pianist should snap up this French CD without hesitation. ~ Ken Dryden