Albums made up of Ellington and Strayhorn compositions come about every 30 seconds or so. However, albums of such absolute grace and beauty as this one has come along once in a rare while. Tommy Smith, the Scotsman tenor, embraces these timeless tunes with a combination of disarming gentleness and utter conviction. It requires tremendous assuredness to play so quietly, unhurriedly, and thoughtfully, and at age 32, Smith shows maturity far beyond his years. Adding Mingus's Ellingtonian title track to the program shows great taste as well. The veteran rhythm section--Kenny Barron, Peter Washington, Billy Drummond--is completely in service to Smith; Barron especially befits the romantic and elegant setting. With his meticulous choice of notes, Smith proves that ambition and ease can happily work together. --Marc Greilsamer
Sound of Love,Tommy Smith,Linn Records,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop
Jazz Music:
- Sounds Out Burt Bacharach
- Sweet Sounds
- Terrain
- The Best of David Sanborn
- The Book of Bhu
- The Rainbow People
- These Are My Roots: Clifford Jordan Plays Leadbelly
- Three Blind Mice [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]
- Thru the Night
- Tickled Ragtime & Novelties
Jazz Music
Haydn: String Quaartets Op.77&103
Music: Christmas With the Everly Brothers and the Boys Town