HOAGY CARMICHAEL
Hoagy Sings Carmichael (Pacific Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Recorded during a 1956 engagement at Los Angeles' Forum Theatre, Hoagy Sings Carmichael puts the inimitable writer of such classic tunes as "Georgia On My Mind," "Lazy River," and "New Orleans" in front of an ensemble of tip jazzmen to perform those tunes and several others in his own relaxed, nearly narcoleptic style. One of the marks of top talent is the ability to make everything you do sound easy, even when few if any others can do it. Hoagy Carmichael hit that mark every time he performed.

Among the players are such familiar names as Harry "Sweets" Edison, Art epper, Jimmy Rowles and Ralph Pena, but if some of the others are less illustrious, they're no less effective in providing the perfect setting for one of the master-craftsmen of 20th century popular music to display his skills and clearly establish his legitimacy in the jazz world.

If you know Hoagy Carmichael best as a laconic figure in some old movies, or simply a name on some sheet music, you really owe it to yourself to track this one down. It's a wonderful presentation of some of his greatest songs, and the very best way to hear some that might have escaped your attention.

Track List:

Georgia On My Mind * Winter Moon * New Orleans * Memphis In June * Skylark * Two Sleepy People * Baltimore Oriole * Rockin' Chair * Ballad In Blue * Lazy River * Georgia On My Mind (instrumental)

© 2000 - Shaun Dale