Its About Love by Various Artists NEUF collection

Tracks:
Mood Indigo - Benny Golson
Summer Affair, A - Nigel Clark (previously unreleased)
My Cherie Amour - Joanne Brackeen (previously unreleased)
My Funny Valentine - Gerry Mulligan/Randy Brecker
Round Midnight - Paul Tobey (previously unreleased)
Its Really All About Love - T.K. Blue
More I See You, The - Mary Pearson
Interlude - Billy Taylor
Passionata - Kenny Drew, Jr.
Ask Me Now - Eric Reed
I Want to Talk About You - David Liebman
Perfect Couple, A - Uli Lenz (previously unreleased)

Performer Notes:

• Compilation producers: Joe Knipes, Bob Karcy.
• Includes liner notes by Timothy Orr.
• Personnel: Mary Pearson (vocals); Lenny Argese, Nigel Clark, Vic Juris (guitar); T.K. Blue (flute, alto flute); David Liebman, Harold Land, Lee Konitz (saxophone); Benny Golson (tenor saxophone); Randy Brecker (flugelhorn); Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone); Eric Reed, James Weidman , Joanne Brackeen, Kenny Drew, Jr., Lynne Arriale, Mulgrew Miller, Ted Rosenthal, Uli Lenz, Billy Taylor (piano); Horacio "El Negro" Hern ndez, Lewis Nash , Mike Bradley, Ron Vincent, Steve Johns , Carl Allen (drums); Guilherme Franco (percussion).
• Recording information: 1999.
• All too often, straight-ahead jazz has, in recent decades, been a victim of terrible marketing. Trying to give jazz snob appeal doesnt work -- it merely ghettoizes and segregates the music -- and those going around calling jazz "Americas classical music" only further the misconception that it can only appeal to a small group of intellectuals. Occasionally, a straight-ahead jazz artist is marketed brilliantly; Diana Krall has managed to connect with pop culture even though she isnt a pop singer. But shes the exception instead of the rule. Regrettably, elitists in the jazz world usually turn their noses up when labels release "jazz for lovers" collections, but if such collections can reach those who have only a casual interest in jazz, then why not? Released in early 2001, Its About Love is a nicely assembled compilation that uses the "jazz for lovers" concept to draw attention to Arkadia Jazzs catalog. As one might expect, ballads are dominant. Highlights of the CD, which spans 1996-1999, include Benny Golson performing Duke Ellingtons "Mood Indigo," Randy Brecker performing "My Funny Valentine," and singer Mary Pearson performing "The More I See You." Even soprano saxman Dave Liebman, who is no stranger to avant-garde jazz and outside improvisation, gets romantic, interpreting Billy Eckstines "I Want to Talk About You." Not all of the songs are old standards from the 1930s and 1940s; Talib Kibwes "Its Really All About Love" and pianist Uli Lenzs "A Perfect Couple" are original pieces, and "My Cherie Amour" (which pianist Joanne Brackeen interprets) was one of Stevie Wonders major hits in the 1960s. This CD isnt challenging, but then, Arkadia never claimed that it was. Its About Love is exactly what its supposed to be: an enjoyable collection of acoustic mood music. ~ Alex Henderson

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Release Date: 23 January, 2001

Label: Arkadia Jazz

Dimensions: 12.7 x 14.3 x 1 centimeters (0.06 kg)