Randy Brecker - The Jazz Ballad Songbook

[GA Russell]

I received this press release yesterday:

HALF NOTE RECORDS

ISSUES A NEW RELEASE

by

RANDY BRECKER

The Jazz Ballad Song Book

featuring

The Danish Radio Big Band

and the

Danish National Chamber Orchestra

AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE JULY 19, 2011

New York, June 15, 2011 - Half Note Records is pleased to present trumpeter Randy Breckerʼs latest musical venture, a collaboration with the Danish Radio Big Band (DRBB) and the Danish National Chamber Orchestra. This formidable partnership provides a special opportunity for Brecker, actuating what many will consider to be a "career record."

Breckerʼs incomparable contribution to contemporary music spans several decades. The Jazz Ballad Song Book explores the contours of 10 compelling American songs, penned by a cadre of jazzʼs premier arrangers, including Grammy winner Vince Mendoza. The record is both cinematic and intimate, reflecting perfectly the scope of Breckerʼs emotional play.

Evergreen tracks inlcude "Cry Me a River," "All Or Nothing At All," "Someday My Prince Will Come" and "Skylark."

Jeff Levenson, EVP of Half Note Records and long-standing admirer of Brecker, says: "Randy has achieved true emeritus status. He remains a figure who embodies the soul of jazz trumpet. His partnership with the DR Big Band is a perfect marriage, featuring pointed, often wistful, solos measured against hip arrangements, beautifully executed."

For further information on the artist please visit his website here

Track Information:

1. All Or Nothing At All

2. Cry Me A River

3. Someday My Prince Will Come

4. Foregone Conclusion

5. Goldfinger

6. Skylark

7. I Talk To The Trees

8. This Is All I Ask

9. The Immigrant/Godfather

10. Round Midnight

[Lazaro Vega]

Yes, we've been playing that on Blue Lake. The first number is a swinger, despite the album's title.

The arrangement of Someday My Prince is based on Miles version, I believe.

Edited June 17, 2011 by Lazaro Vega

[Shawn]

That sounds like a nice date.

[GA Russell]

I really like this album At times there is a little noodling that I can do without, but Brecker sounds great, and the band and its arrangements are usually terrific.

[GA Russell]

I heard Someday My Prince Will Come from the CD (with the DR Big Band, they said) on the radio yesterday and it killed. Great chart, starting out with Wynton Kelly's solo from Miles' recording transcribed and written for flutes. The chart develops beautifully and Randy and the other soloists---couldn't pin anyone but it was guitar and piano---really did a hell of a job. This is as good as anything you'll hear coming out these days. I can't wait to hear the rest. A MF for sure.

I listened to this album for the first time in a while today, and I'm confident that it will make my year's Top Ten list.

The piano is Henrik Gunde. The guitar is Per Gade.

[GA Russell]

This album received four Grammy nominations today.

Best Large Jazz Ensemble: "The Jazz Ballad Songbook"

Best Instrumental Composition: "I Talk To The Trees"

Best Improvised Jazz Solo: "All or Nothing at All"

Best Instrumental Arrangement (Peter Jenson): "All or Nothing at All"

Edited December 1, 2011 by GA Russell