Details

Field of Interest

Jazz

Content Type

Music recording

Duration

44 mins

Format

Audio

Sub Genre

Modern Jazz, Opera

Label

Contemporary

Page Count

9

Performer

Barney Kessel, 1923-2004, Justin Gordon, 1917-1998, André Previn, 1929-2019, Joe Mondragon, 1920-1987, Sheldon Manne, 1920-1984

Date Recorded

1958-12-22

Release Date

1986

Review

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. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Subject

Jazz, Music & Performing Arts, Modern Jazz, Jazz Moderno

Keywords and Translated Subjects

Jazz Moderno