George Russell
was one of the most forward-thinking composers and arrangers on the
jazz
scene during the 1950s, but his work was generally more appreciated by musicians than the
-buying public.
New York, New York
represents one of many high points in his career. He assembled an all-star orchestra, including pianist
Bill Evans
(a frequent participant on
Russell
's recordings),
Art Farmer
,
Bob Brookmeyer
John Coltrane
, and
Milt Hinton
, among others. In
Rodgers & Hart
's
"Manhattan,"
has the soloists playing over the orchestra's vamp, while he also creates an imaginative
"East Side Medley"
combining the
standards
"Autumn in New York"
and
"How About You."
His original material is just as striking as his arrangements, while vocalist
Jon Hendricks
serves as narrator between orchestra segments. While this release has been reissued several times, it rarely remains in print for long, so don't miss the opportunity to acquire this elusive CD. ~ Ken Dryden