Sheila Jordan - Little Song - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Acclaimed vocalist-lyricist-arranger Fay Victor & her Herbie Nichols SUNG Quintet celebrate & thoroughly reconsider the rich legacy of jazz composer Herbie Nichols with Life Is Funny That Way, and bring it singing boldly into this century. Following on Billie Holiday, who famously wrote InchLady Sings The BluesInch to Nichols' InchSerenade,Inch Victor developed this deep love project over the course of decade, after years of exploring the late composer's work. This landmark album marks the first time that a full program of lyrics have been written & recorded for Nichols' compositions. The innovative arrangements -also by Victor- are brought to vibrant life by a dedicated & deeply gifted quintet of veteran performers; Michaël Attias (alto & baritone sax), Anthony Coleman (piano), Ratzo Harris (bass), and Tom Rainey (drums).   The source material is from Nichols' Blue Note sessions of 1955-56, plus three compositions not recorded in his lifetime. With erudite & extensive liners by Kevin Whitehead. Album Tracks 1. Life Is Funny That Way 2. The Bassist 3. Bright Butterfly 4. Sinners, All of Us! 5. The Culprit Is You 6. Shuffle Montgomery 1. Tonight 2. Lady Sings the Blues 3. Twelve Bars 4. Descent Into Madness 5. Non-Fraternization Clause

2012 NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan's performances are always intriguing blends of imaginative music making and deeply felt, richly emotional story telling. More than many performing artists, she lays her life on the line with everything she sings. And more than any other jazz vocalist she reflects the power of the instrumentalists who shaped her musical life. She alone, it seems, can combine Rollins' drive and Parker's soaring invention with Ella's spunk and Billie's passion. This recording with bassist Harvie S shows off her immaculate phrasing and dead-on pitch on a dozen standards. Album Tracks 1. Yesterdays 2. Better Than Anything 3. The Very Thought of You 4. You Don't Know What Love Is 5. It Don't Mean a Thing 6. Fats Waller Medley 7. Mood Indigo 8. Waltz for Debby (Lazy Days) 9. I Concentrate on You 10. Lazy Afternoon 11. Blue Skies 12. Fred Astaire Medley

Album Tracks 1. Song of Joy 2. Hold Out Your Hand 3. rich Life 4. The Saga of Harrison Crabfeathers 5. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life 6. On Green Dolphin Street 7. It Never Entered My Mind 8. Don't Explain 9. Better Than Anything 10. The Lady 11. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone 12. Song of Joy