Search - Terence Blanchard, Diana Krall, Jane Monheit :: Let's Get Lost - The Songs of Jimmy McHugh (SACD)

Stick to the standards, T!

Big Tex | the Texas Piney Woods | 10/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Terence Blanchard is undoubtedly one of the top jazz performers of our time, regardless of instrument. However (and this is just my opinion), I don't care much for his original material. I much prefer releases in which he interprets other writers' works (e.g., The Billie Holliday Songbook, The Heart Speaks). So you can only imagine how much I enjoy listening to Let's Get Lost. This CD is outstanding not just in the interpretations, arrangements and production (all are flawless), but Blanchard has surrounded himself with four wonderful vocalists to support his vision of McHugh's standards.



This is one of my favorite late-night CD's. Blanchard's tone, as always, is pure, clean and sweet. I was introduced to several McHugh songs that I hadn't heard before. With over 60 minutes of quality performances, it is simply too hard to pick out a favorite cut. Quality stuff - Daddy like. Also check out the other two Blanchard CD's mentioned above."

Great!

Eric Kent | USA | 09/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this bec. of Jane Monheit, and it is well worth it.



the other artists are great in their own right."

"Let's Get Lost" In Standards With New Flavors

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 01/31/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Evocative as the singers are, the central character is Blanchard's wonderfully expressive horn, which has over the past twenty years blended the smears and curls and choked-off notes of his roots with some decidedly modern ideas. Blanchard solos with fire and abandon, but manages also to sing each tune with clarity and conviction, especially on an instrumental version of 'Lost In A Fog'." ~ Larry Blumenfeld ~



The ingenious trumpet player/arranger, Terence Blanchard shines as he pays tribute to the timeless music of Jimmy McHugh, a Boston-born songwriter who composed some of the most beautiful melodies from Tin Pan Alley, Broadway musicals and Hollywood films, with the support of his own band consisting of Edward Simon (piano), Derek Nievergelt (bass), Eric Harland (drums) and Brice Wilson (tenor sax). Adding glamour and grace to the quintet are four talented guest singers: Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves, Jane Monheit and Cassandra Wilson who are all impressive in their respective vocal flair. I was never wrong in choosing this CD as my introduction to the exquisite trumpet artistry of Terence Blanchard, who was recommended by a friend who has sharp ear for great musicians being a musician himself who truly knows the ones who stand out and play exceptionally - the crème de la crème, the musician's musician. (Thanks, Brian, I trust your recommendations).



This album "Let's Get Lost" is Mr. Blanchard's showcase not only of his creative trumpet playing, but also his extraordinary innovation in seasoning these enduring standards with fresh flavors and infusing contemporary concepts to make them new again and more listener-friendly. Mr. Blumenfeld has further written on his Liner Notes that "Blanchard's interpretations of McHugh music succeed largely through the inventive arrangements; each piece takes wild leaps of harmony and rhythm without disturbing that tune's foundation."



Diana Krall opens this enjoyable program with "Let's Get Lost" and lends her inimitable vocal flair and piano skills that flawlessly harmonize with the instrumentations putting emphasis on the star player's delightful trumpet. The listeners will surely get lost in its charms as with the next tracks to follow.



Dianne Reeves glows as she interprets the stunning Bossa Nova-tinged "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" making it the coolest version ever recorded. I've never heard it rendered in this kind of setting and I must say it is utterly charming and so pleasing to the ears. She also gives a lesser-known song "Can't Get Out Of This Mood" a wonderful rendition that it so deserves. This has become an instant hit to my ears. How I love its swinging rhythm.



"Don't Blame Me" and "On The Sunny Side of The Street" are two of the best tracks that were made more special because of Cassandra Wilson's uniquely gorgeous and sultry vocal art. I love the way she treats both songs with utmost confidence making sure that each verse is phrased as spotless as possible.



And not to be outshined is Jane Monheit whose renditions of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and "Too Young To Go Steady" are equally striking. Each song is a testament of her remarkable vocal artistry.



For the trumpeter's very own groundbreaking numbers, he takes his magic spell into the listeners' ears capturing their undivided attention as he exquisitely plays "You're A Sweetheart," "I'm In The Mood For Love," "Exactly Like You" and "Lost In A Fog." These are some of the very best instrumental versions for these tunes that only Terence Blanchard can play in such uniqueness and ingenuity. There's no doubt that he is one of the most creative trumpet players the jazz world has ever known who can take timeless standards into new heights.



If you love the music of Jimmy McHugh recorded with new flavors like I do, this one is for you...yours for the taking.



With my heartfelt recommendation.

"