(Review by
Debra M.)
Originally the idea of George Mesterhazy, Shirley Horn’s pianist , this project was
dedicated to them both following his sudden death at the age of 59. The result is a vinyl EP, engineered, produced
and designed as a 1950s or ‘60s jazz album.
The sleeve includes extensive background information, from the
instruments used, to the equipment that cut the vinyl. This obsessional attention to detail is
reflected in the quality of every aspect of the recording.
The quartet are immediately up and swinging in ‘A Beautiful Friendship’ , with solos
all round, including a relaxed scat by
Murphy. The remaining tracks are ballads, and like Horn, Murphy is not afraid
to take things really slowly. In ‘But
Beautiful’, William’s subtle brushwork & Minasian’s sparse piano bring
the vocal to the fore, giving space to
each considered phrase. The trumpeter Till Brunner plays a tender solo, and
also features on, possibly the most outstanding track, ‘Get Out of Town’. Beginning
with a single rap, Williams develops a solo and, with piano, sets a scene reminiscent of a showdown. Murphy’s rich, textured voice almost narrates
the lyric , alternating to great effect with swinging sections. His immaculate phrasing and
delivery are augmented by the dramatic
percussion provided by Williams,
who was Horn’s drummer for many years. The final track, her trademark ‘Here’s To Life’, has added poignancy,
sung by a vocal legend still performing in his 80s. As one of her
contemporaries, and with a diverse vocal jazz career spanning decades, Mark Murphy
is ideally placed to integrate the spirit and style of Horn’s singing with his own. This is an outstanding tribute, capturing the
essence of Shirley Horn, and an absolute master class of vocal and piano trio.
Debra M.
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