Customer Reviews

Passion Flower

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fred puts some very nice touches on this CD. This is one of the better Billy Strayhorn tributes I have listened to. A couple of songs have strings that after several listenings work very well. This is one of those disks to put on for that romantic candelight dinner.

Back when this album was just being released, I happened to walk into the Virgin Megastore on Sunset Blvd. to kill some time before a movie. Over by the stairs, they'd set up a grand piano and Fred Hersch was sitting there playing some tracks from this CD. He was amazing. His playing was fresh, vital and sublime. I bought the CD right then (I should have waited around to have him sign it!) and became a fan. I've bought many other of his CDs over the years and he never disappoints.

Simply beautiful work. There is much variety here in orchestration and setting which is helpful in that most of the songs are ballads. Like another reviewer indicated, "Lament for an Orchid" is a standout amongst dazzling gems. When I first heard it I thought the strings made it sappy, but after another hearing or two I got it and reveled in their evocation of natural tropical trade winds in contrast to Fred's piano's sensitive personally lyrical dialogue with them. I have listened to this track at least 100 times for relaxation, emotional healing and plain wonder. In its grandeur and clarity, it is like a movement from a classical piano concerto, however with the piano displaying a spontaneous expression that only a jazz player could deliver. Fred's uncannily perfect execution of these lines with rounded melodic invention is truly astounding!

This recording makes for wonderful background music, but it is not background music. It is a very inventive musician exploring the music of a great composer and it deserves close listening. Fred Hersch is an impeccable pianist and Billy Strayhorn's often lush compositions are perfect vehicles for him. The string orchestra under the direction of Eric Stern provides accent and accompaniment without ever becoming instrusive or overwhelming. Everything fits together nicely and every cut is worthwhile. If I had to choose a favorite it would be the beautiful "Lament for an Orchid."

i would like to retract my prior negative review -- the seller was quick to resolve the problem -- i am now quite happy with the product