Artist: Barney Kessel
Album: Modern Jazz Performances from Bizet's Carmen
Genre: Bop, Cool Jazz
Label: Contemporary Records
Released: 1959/2006
Quality: FLAC (tracks+.cue)
Tracklist:
01. Swingin' the Toreador (5:50)
02. A Pad on the Edge of Town (6:44)
03. If You Dig Me (4:03)
04. Free as a Bird (5:00)
05. Viva el Toro! (3:14)
06. Flowersville (5:59)
07. Carmen's Cool (4:41)
08. Like, There's No Place Like... (4:00)
09. The Gypsy's Hip (3:56)
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Personnel:
Barney Kessel - guitar
Buddy Collette - flute, alto flute, clarinet
Bill Smith - clarinet, bass clarinet
Jules Jacob - oboe, clarinet
Pete Terry - bass clarinet, bassoon
Justin Gordon - flute, alto flute, tenor saxophone
Andre Previn - piano
Joe Mondragon - bass
Shelly Manne - drums
Ray Linn - trumpet
Harry Betts - trombone
Herb Geller - alto saxophone
Chuck Gentry - baritone saxophone
Victor Feldman - vibraharp
This is an unusual set that has been reissued on CD. During an era when many Broadway and movie scores were recorded in jazz settings (thanks in part to the success of Shelly Manne's best-selling My Fair Lady album), guitarist Barney Kessel chose to interpret nine melodies from Bizet's opera Carmen. The guitarist is heard in three different settings: joined by five woodwinds and a rhythm section; with five jazz horns (including altoist Herb Geller and trumpeter Ray Linn) and a trio; and with vibraphonist Victor Feldman in a quintet. Kessel also wrote the arrangements, which pay tribute to the melodies while not being shy of swinging the themes. An interesting if not essential project.