Garden Of The Blues [LP]

Shirley Horn - Garden Of The Blues [LP]

SteepleChase originally released in 1984 this Shirley Horn's live tribute to songwriter Curtis Lewis (1918-1987), who was one of the first Black composers and lyricists to emerge on the Broadway scene in the early 1940s. Shirley Horn (1934-2005), long connected to Lewis's music, brings deeply personal readings of 'He's Gone Again,' 'Old Country,' and 'Roaming Lover,' before unfolding the dramatic, story-like suite The Garden of the Blues, quoting Lewis's own linking prose. Her trio-Charles Ables (bass) and Steve Williams (drums)-provides subtle, breathing support, leaving space for Horn's unhurried phrasing and emotional clarity. Newly remastered in 24-bit/96 kHz and pressed on 180g vinyl, this edition restores the concert's warmth, poise, and luminous detail. 'Shirley Horn has one of the most alluring voices in jazz - she let's the lyrics melt into a violet haze as she slowly unwraps the melody - and she's an exceptional pianista wonderful, moving combination of voice and song.' (Cash Box)