This is another issuance from the Concord Jazz
Jazz Moods series. Given that "the Sunday Times" is in the title, the mood intended to be created here is apparently meant to be both reclusive (alone with the paper) and relaxed by the time you get to the crossword puzzle. And that mood is firmly and pleasantly established by a play list of 10 tunes performed by premiere jazz musicians. A highlight of the session, appropriately, is "Come Sunday" from the Red Holloway/Clark Terry Sextet's 1989 album, Locksmith Blues. Terry is center stage with his muted trumpet delivering a hauntingly beautiful rendering of
Duke Ellington's classic tune from his "Black, Brown and Beige" symphonic suite. Ellington is further represented by another memorable performance, this time by
Art Farmer on "Warm Valley." Just two vocals have been included.
Susannah McCorkle does "Love Walked In" from her tribute album to
George Gershwin, Someone to Watch Over Me, and
Ernestine Anderson wraps up the session with "In a Mellow Tone," backed by
Benny Carter and Ray Brown. Another highlight is the
Emily Remler rendition of "Softly in a Morning Sunrise," with her unique rich, full toned guitar and
Hank Jones providing his usual conspicuous support.
Stan Getz immediately identifiable tenor sax sound is heard on "Blues Skies." Other artists on this CD include vibraphonist
Gary Burton,
Gene Harris Quartet,
Alan Broadbent with Gary Foster and
Scott Hamilton, all of whom make this a very pleasant compilation to bring down from the shelf on a Sunday morning. ~ Dave Nathan