Description
On these four haunting, extended tracks, time is stopped by this brilliant guitarist with the help of an all-star cast. Unique in Green’s discography for its relaxed, lengthy performances and almost dreamlike lyricism, this blue-note classic could well be called “Ballads for the Ages.” Time and worry seem to melt away during the fifteen ravishing minutes of “Idle Moments,” the opening track from Grant Green’s sublime 1963 album of the same name. As the piece leisurely unfolds, all the unique colors of the ensemble present themselves with Green’s soulful guitar accompanied by Duke Pearson’s elegant piano, Bobby Hutcherson’s crystalline vibraphone, Bob Cranshaw’s soothing upright bass, Al Harewood’s subtle drumming, and Joe Henderson’s magnificent tenor saxophone. The tempo picks up for the rest of this great set, including the nimble Green original “Jean de Fleur,” a bluesy take on John Lewis’ MJQ standard “Django,” and a driving performance of Pearson’s original “Nomad.” This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is all analogue, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl by Optimal.
