It's not often that the stars align and give you such a special recording. The sextet led by guitarist Jim Hall on this 1975 CTI recording were all at the top of their game - jazz royalty almost, and the sessions in Rudy van Gelder's studies produced music making of the highest quality.
In some contexts this amount of talent present at one time would produce egos that clash, but the sheer restraint here in favour of the greater good is palpable. Jim Hall's mellow, melodic and inventive playing is mirrored by Paul Desmond's liquid velvet sax sound and Chet Baker's smokey trumpet - all above a rhythm section that propels the music along almost imperceptibly.
The slow movement from Rodrigo's guitar concerto Concierto de Aranjuez is one of the most well known in classical music, and it's no stranger to jazz treatment, with a plaintive melody and haunting setting ripe for improvisation. From Miles Davis' Sketches Of Spain, to recordings by Chick Corea, and harpist Dorothy Ashby, Rodrigo's melody and harmony have gone places few classical pieces have reached.
The video here is of a Pure Pleasure Records' 180 2xLP issue, and is such an improvement over a CD version I have, which has a muddy and thoroughly dull sound, it's almost laughable.
Mellow, late night listening - a glass of your favourite tipple is thoroughly recommended!
Cartridge: Ortofon Synergy GM SPU
Phono amp: Graham Slee Accession + Elevator EXP
Turntable: PTP Audio Solid12 + SME M2-12-r tonearm
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