Ballad Essentials
ASIN: B00004R966
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As student of Nat "King" Cole, the Jamaica-born pianist Monty Alexander knows how to make the keyboard sing. This ballad collection is compiled from several of his recordings with the Concord label, including Echoes of Jilly's, the Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, and Ivory & Steel. Alexander's solo renditions of "Here's That Rainy Day," "Estate," and "I'm a Fool to Want You" reveal his luscious, lyrical lilt. His combo takes of "Body and Soul," "For All We Know," and "The River" with bassist Ray Brown, guitarist Herb Ellis, and drummer Ed Thigpen showcase his sensitivity and spirituality. The addition of steel drums by Othello Molineaux and Derek Di Cenzo on "Catavina" and Kurt Weill's "September Song" provide Monty Alexander with the island-breeze, melodic tinges of his West Indian heritage that complement his deep devotion to African American classical music. --Eugene Holley Jr.
Ballad Essentials,Monty Alexander,Concord Records,Bop,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop
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Ballad Essentials
Scott Hamilton Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00004NRVM Release Date: 2006-04-10 |
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The musical line leading up to tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton is not confusing. He wears his influences on his sleeve. You hear Lester Young's phrasing, Ben Webster's languid tone, and more than a dash of Zoot Sims's overall presentation. And while 1989's Scott Hamilton Plays Ballads is a gorgeous showing off of these influences, Ballad Essentials is a magnificent overview of his smoldering command of the genre. There's a pair of tracks from Plays Ballads ("In a Sentimental Mood" played as limber, late-night swing and "Round Midnight" given a robust, big-hearted embrace) and a pair from With Strings. The other eight pieces come from all over Hamilton's catalog, and describing any particular tune would tax the vocabulary--"aching" and "tender" have only so many synonyms. Hamilton's sense of swing is easy to love, as is his brawny tone--even when it slips into whispering mode. Ballad Essentials is meant as a themed collection, and it not only succeeds as such, it also serves as a primer for Hamilton's whole output. --Andrew BartlettCustomer Reviews:
A cd worthy of 5 stars.......2001-12-28
Ballad Essentials is a wonderful and marvelous cd. Hamilton's saxaphone is smooth and flowing. The songs are basically romantic. This cd is ideal for a romantic and/or relaxing evening. One of the best Jazz cd's I have ever heard for such occasions. Highly do I recommend Scott Hamilton's Ballad Essentials.
"beautiful tones is music-to-the-ears via Hamilton".......2001-01-28
Scott Hamilton has appeared on more than 60 Concord releases during the past 22 years, a master of the swing, butmore not able are his beautiful tones which appear on these dozen collections from - "Scott Hamilton Is A Good Wind Who Is Blowing Us No Ill" (CCD-4042)(1977), "Scott Hamilton 2" (CCD4061)(1978), "Tenorshoes" (CCD-4127)(1979), "The Right Time" (CCD-4311)(1986), "Scott Hamilton Plays The Ballads" (CCD-4386)(1989), "Radio City"(CCD-4428)(1990), "Scott Hamilton With Strings"(CCD-4538)(1992), "East Of The Sun" (CCD-4583)(1993) and"My Romance" (CCD-4710)(1995), is just the tip of the iceberg.
Of course there are stand outs - "MY FOOLISHHEART" the classic Ned Washington and Victor Young composition performed by Alan Broadbent (piano, musical director, arranger andconductor) and a trans-fixing solo by Hamilton, you just want it to go on and on..."IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD" smooth and haunting Duke Ellington tune, Scott makes this one his own, you find yourself drifting in a musical journey with just a peaceful existence.
But the highlight is - "TONIGHT I SHALL SLEEP WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE" another Ellington tune, shades of the Jackie Gleason presents arrangements from "Music For Lovers Only", only this time we have Scott Hamilton to put the icing on the cake.Concord once again shares the warmth and wonderful moments from their vaults of never-to-be-forgotten classic sounds of JAZZ!
TotalTime: 58:36 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4885...(2000)
Great for creating a romantic mood!.......2000-12-09
This cd should be titled the "Best Of Scott Hamilton".......2000-11-28
On this cd Scott plays nothing but pure ballads. This is my favorite kind of song. I can't seem to get enough of this romantic music. For the most part I liked what Scott did with this project. However, I did hear a few songs that I didn't paticulary like. All in all, I liked this cd and hope others will feel like wise.
The true ballad album........2000-06-01
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Ballad Essentials
Gene Harris Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000088NTO Release Date: 2003-02-11 |
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Customer Reviews:
"turn up the heat for lowdown blues & ballads ~ Gene Harris".......2003-06-06
Concord Jazz has put together eleven selections from various albums that prove beyond a doubt, Gene was one of the top five "Jazz Pianist" in the entertainment field. So just sit back and give a listen to "NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT", the great Jimmy Cox tune that Gene takes us on a funky blues ride that we're sure to enjoy ~ "AT LAST", take your favorite partner on the dance floor and hold them close, as Scott Hamilton joins Gene on this beautiful ballad ~ "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS", two great keyboard artists Jack McDuff (Hammond B-3 organ) and Gene Harris (piano) take this tune to another level of quality ~ "THAT'S ALL", always a favorite instrumentally, but what Gene does with this is truly amazing ~ "ANGEL EYES", probably one of my all time favorite saloon songs by Ella, Frank, Sarah and now Gene, not bad company to be in.
If you haven't discovered Gene Harris by now, this would be a starting place. If you enjoyed this album ~ would suggest "The Best of the Concord Years" (2-CD-Set) (CCD2-4930-2) featuring none other than Mr. Gene Harris, it will simply knock your sox off ~ gotta love it!
Total Time: 67:26 on 11 Tracks ~ Concord Jazz 2170-2 ~ (2/11/2003)
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Ballad Essentials
Ernestine Anderson Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00004NRVD Release Date: 2000-02-22 |
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Amazon.com
Listeners familiar with jazz vocalist Ernestine Anderson could be forgiven for stereotyping her as a high-energy soul singer who belts out bluesy, midtempo classics. Those same listeners will have a delightful surprise in Ballad Essentials, a collection culled from performances between 1979 and 1990. Here, Anderson is a supreme ballad artist. Interpreting classics from "Body and Soul" to "Skylark" to "I Should Care" with a supporting cast that alternately includes bassist Ray Brown and pianists Hank Jones, Gene Harris, George Shearing, and Monty Alexander, Anderson is masterly on this compilation. On such tunes as "Time After Time," the live "Skylark", and a beautiful version of "Summertime" that segues from a rubato duet with Alexander to a seductive stroll propelled by Brown's walking lines, Anderson has a relaxed but intense and dramatic sense of phrasing that sometimes recalls Shirley Horn. Her lush and beautiful vocal tone, however, is all her own, making Ballad Essentials a worthy addition to anyone's jazz vocal collection. --Ezra GaleCustomer Reviews:
Some of Ernestine's Best.......2001-02-05
"always gives you an honest musical account".......2001-01-27
In 1975, Ray Brown (bassist) heard her sing and became her manager which led to a Concord contract...recording some top-flight jazz albums for this label - "Live From Concord to London" (1976), "Hello Like Before" ((1976), "Sunshine" (1979), "Live At The Concord Jazz Festival" (1979), "Never Make Your Move Too Soon" (1980), "Big City" (1983), "When The Sun Goes Down" (1984), "Be Mine Tonight" (1986), "Live At The Alley Cat" (1987), "Boogie Down" (1989), "Live At The Concord 1990 Jazz Festival" (1990), "Great Moments with Ernestine Anderson" (1998) and the current "Ballad Essentials" (2000) which is the best of the best - Ernestine Anderson.
This, her latest release from Concord features a dozen of vintage ballads, all of which she makes into her own personal statements in performances dating from 1979-90. Many are touching, some unforgettable, but all bring the Anderson special brand of soul and deep-emotion with heartfelt lyrical interpreation to such songs as "BODY AND SOUL", "I SHOULD CARE", "TAIN'T NOBODY'S BIZNESS IF I DO"...but the highlight and my all-time favorite Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer tune is "SKYLARK", recorded live at the Concord Pavilion in August of 1990, originally issued on "Third Set" (CCD-4454), this tugs at your heart-strings everytime.
Total Time: 63:29 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4886...(2000)
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Ballad Essentials
Jim Hall Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00004R967 Release Date: 2000-03-14 |
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Amazon.com
Jim Hall once described himself as "a composer who plays guitar." As this ballad collection shows, Hall's near-acoustic guitar lines move with a logic and linearity of composers like Bela Bartok, which has made Hall a favorite with musicians from John Lewis and Sonny Rollins to Art Farmer and Paul Desmond. Hall's tone is sweet and lasting, especially in his singing solo take on "Poor Butterfly" and in his intimate duets with bassist Ron Carter on "Embraceable You" and pianist George Shearing on "Emily." Hall highlights his textural touches on Duke Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss," the bossa nova "Beija-Flor," and the title track. If you want to hear what influenced players like Pat Martino, Pat Metheny, and John Abercrombie, listen to the quiet and powerful Jim Hall. --Eugene Holley Jr.
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Ballad Essentials
Carol Sloane Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005M0FY Release Date: 2001-07-10 |
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Customer Reviews:
carol sloane.......2007-01-29
"warmth & distinctive phrasing techniques are delightful".......2001-07-18
You might try other albums by Carol Sloane on Concord Jazz, all worthy of a good listen ~ "Sweet & Slow" (CCD-4564)..."The Songs Carmen Sang" (CCD-4663)..."The Songs Sinatra Sang" (CCD-4725)..."The Songs Ella & Louis Sang" (CCD-4787-2).
Total Time: 60:02 on 11 Tracks ~ Concord Jazz CCD 4971-2 ~ (2001)
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Ballad Essentials
Carmen McRae Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00002CF45 Release Date: 1999-10-26 |
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Customer Reviews:
"remarkable lyrical interpretation & phrasing".......2001-01-30
Of course there are highlights - "MORE THAN YOU KNOW" with George Shearing (originally issued on: "Two For The Road" - CCD 4128) and "IT WILL HAVE TO DO (UNTIL THE REAL THING COMES ALONG)" featuring Jack McDuff, Red Holloway, Phil Upchurch, John Clayton and Paul Humphrey (originally issued on: "Fine And Mellow - Live At Birdland West" - CCD 4342) as this singer of singers adds unexpected accents to the lyrics and doing wonders with established standards...never sounded like this before.
Hand-picked from her catalog of Concord Jazz recordings (which boasts two Grammy-Award nominated albums), with such jazz luminaries - Red Holloway, Jack McDuff, Poncho Sanchez, George Shearing and Cal Tjader supporting her performances, are touching and quite personal, a classic singer at her best - CARMEN MCRAE!
Total Time: 56:38 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4877...(1999)
An architect of the jazz ballad.......2000-07-20
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Ballad Essentials
Susannah Mccorkle Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000068QX3 Release Date: 2002-07-09 |
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Album Description
2002 release from one of the most expressive vocalists of the 20th Century. 12 tracks. Concord Jazz.Customer Reviews:
Smooth and melodic song stylings.......2002-11-07
Greatest Hits Vol 2.......2002-07-20
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Ballad Essentials
Monty Alexander Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00004R966 Release Date: 2000-03-14 |
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Amazon.com
As student of Nat "King" Cole, the Jamaica-born pianist Monty Alexander knows how to make the keyboard sing. This ballad collection is compiled from several of his recordings with the Concord label, including Echoes of Jilly's, the Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, and Ivory & Steel. Alexander's solo renditions of "Here's That Rainy Day," "Estate," and "I'm a Fool to Want You" reveal his luscious, lyrical lilt. His combo takes of "Body and Soul," "For All We Know," and "The River" with bassist Ray Brown, guitarist Herb Ellis, and drummer Ed Thigpen showcase his sensitivity and spirituality. The addition of steel drums by Othello Molineaux and Derek Di Cenzo on "Catavina" and Kurt Weill's "September Song" provide Monty Alexander with the island-breeze, melodic tinges of his West Indian heritage that complement his deep devotion to African American classical music. --Eugene Holley Jr.Customer Reviews:
"has come a long way from Monty & the Cyclones".......2001-01-31
Monty has been recording for Concord since his debut in 1979, currently fourteen Alexander CD's, not counting the many sideman appearances. "Ballads Essentials" is the name of the game on this release, a dozen tunes many are familiar standards, while others find him building on his original style paying tribute to his Jamaican heritage.
Many stand outs are evident, but the highlights and there are two - "SEPTEMBER SONG" the classic standard by Kurt Weill, an awesome arrangement and unique sound setting the mood, with Monty (piano) and Derek Dicenzo (steel drums) originally issued on: "To The Ends Of The Earth" CCD-4721 (1996)...another song about our favorite month - "MAYBE SEPTEMBER" the haunting melodic chords composed by Percy Faith, the "King of Strings", was always one of my favorites and Monty does it justice, backup men Ira Coleman (bass) and Dion Parson (drums) originally issued on: "Steamin'" CCD-4636, never considered this a jazz piece, but now there's no doubt.
Concord Jazz and Nick Phillips once again hit the mark, sensitive interpretations by Alexander make each song sound like they are recent discoveries written especially for him, this is one to add to your ever-growing collection of GREAT JAZZ!
Total Time: 60:08 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4903...(2000)
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Ballad Essentials
George Shearing Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005O6HK Release Date: 2001-09-11 |
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Ballad Essentials
Rosemary Clooney Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00073K7L2 Release Date: 2005-01-25 |
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Jazz Music: