Heartstrings [Import]

Russell Malone | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 8, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Universal Japan
• ASIN: B00005LL9J
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,542,165 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Heartstrings

2. How About Me

3. Guess I'll Hung My Teras

4. You Need Me

5. Handful Of Stars

6. Wind In The Willow

7. Why Try To Chage Me

8. Big & The Beautiful

9. Saza Loved One

10. What A Friend We Have In Jesus

11. Flowers For Emit (Bonus Track)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Guitarist Russ Malone got his breaks backing crooners Harry Connick and Diana Krall, but with his mellow Georgia style and slow-smoked grooves, he's well on his way to a solo career. This all-ballad date is built around a sumptuous and hallowed string orchestra with more-than-capable arrangers at the helm: pianist Alan Broadbent, guitarist Dori Caymmi, and composer Johnny Mandel. With virtually every tune taken at a somnolent tempo, the date becomes more the moody sleeper than it need have been, despite Malone's occasional deft double-timing ("Wind in the Willow") and soaring ("Why Try to Change Me Now?"). A feather-light rhythm trio "features" veteran sideman Kenny Barron, whose piano barely peeks into the limelight. Established young groovemeisters Christian McBride (tip-toeing in baby elephant shoes), and Jeff "Tain" Watts (brushes only!) don't merely coast, but tip their knowing hands into nudging along rare old standards like Irving Berlin's "How About Me" and David Raksin's "The Bad and the Beautiful." Hearing Malone caressing the late Milt Jackson's title ballad may well draw similarities with Joe Pass's stunning technical wizardry and George Benson's deep-blue silk. We wouldn't be surprised (but might be delighted) to hear Russ unveil his own mellifluous baritone here and there on some date soon. Heartstrings might score points as a classic "make-out" album à la Johnny Mathis, except perhaps when Malone's deeply devotional side emerges on a final familiar hymn ("What a Friend We Have in Jesus"). --Fred Bouchard

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful!, April 17, 2003

By 

[e-mail] (Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heartstrings (Audio CD)

The songs are stunning, Russell's tone is lush and warm, and for those who have trouble with orchestral treatments in jazz, the orchestra seems to float in the background simply supporting the music rather than overpowering it. An instant classic.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There is a time and a place for Heartstrings......, August 28, 2001

By 

Jazz Guitar Lover (VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heartstrings (Audio CD)

Well, I have to say that I both aggree and disagree with the previous reviewer. I you are a looking for a CD of more uptempo swinging jazz tunes, then yes, get another Russell Malone CD. Or, if you are looking for a CD of heartfelt ballads with the signature stunning touch of virtousity that Russell Malone adds with his flawless guitar technique and wonderful sense of harmony, then get this CD......It is what it is, an excellent CD of ballads with strings to accompany Russell's incrediable guitar........A must for any Russell Malone fan, or Jazz guitarist!!!!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good!, March 8, 2005

By 

Jonathan L (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heartstrings (Audio CD)

This is a great cd, undoubtedly. His ballad songs are great and are honestly touching. However, when I bought this album, I was expecting at least one fast song that had an extraodinary 'typical' Russell Malone solo. I got this album after Sweet Georgia Peach and Some Of My Best Friends Are Guitarists. In the middle of that he transitioned from the ballad to a more upbeat tempo. That's what I was looking forward to. However, it turned out to be slow, but GREAT just the same. It taught me that songs don't necessarily need to be fast in order to be good. However, I am deducing one star (because not one of them was fast and after a while it got a little repetitious and boring. Take note: Each song if you listen to just one at a time, not one after another are great, but after over and over for ten songs in a row...let's say it gets a little repetitious.

1. Sweet Georgia Peach (Ron Carter (b),Kenny Barron (p), Louis Nash (d), Russell Malone (g)) Great songs and great interaction between soloists and comping. Very upbeat songs.
2. Bluebird (Benny Green (p), Russell Malone (g)) Nice soloing and nice time, shows their skill and how they don't need a drummer to keep time.

P.S Please Check Out My Reviews On The Recommended CDs!