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Review 1
Moonlight In Vermont remains Johnny Smith's most famous recording, and a brilliant showcase for his legato, close-voiced chord melody style - one of the most beguiling sounds in jazz. (That said, Smith's blistering single-note lines are equally astounding.) These sessions, which span 1952-1953, feature the guitarist in quintet settings with a rotating cast of tenor giants: Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, and Paul Quinichette. The tracks have an uncluttered intricacy that brings to mind Tal Farlow's work with Red Norvo, or Jim Hall's with Paul Desmond and Jimmy Giuffre. Smith's arrangements of "Tenderly," "Where or When," "Cherokee," and the title track surprise the ear at every turn. Other highlights include the bewitching "Vilia," the complex minor-key cooker "Tabu," and the taut, swinging originals "Jaguar" and "Cavu."
The 1991 CD reissue of Moonlight In Vermont includes a number of bonus tracks, as well as a previously unreleased alternate take of "Jaguar." The album can also be heard in its entirety on The Complete Roost Johnny Smith Small Group Sessions (Mosaic). In addition, the eight tracks that feature Getz (excluding the "Jaguar" alternate) were released as part of Blue Note's three-disc box Stan Getz: The Complete Roost Recordings.  |
Players
Bob Carter: Bass
Morey Feld: Drums
Arnold Fishkin: Bass
Stan Getz: Sax (Tenor)
Sanford Gold: Piano
Don Lamond: Drums
Paul Quinichette: Sax (Tenor)
Eddie Safranski: Bass
Zoot Sims: Sax (Tenor)
Johnny Smith: Guitar |
Tracks
1. Where Or When
2. Tabu
3. Moonlight In Vermont
4. Jaguar
5. Jaguar (alternate version)
6. Ghost Of A Chance, A
7. Vilia
8. My Funny Valentine
9. Sometimes I'm Happy
10. Stars Fell On Alabama
11. Nice Work If You Can Get It
12. Tenderly
13. Cavu
14. I'll Be Around
15. Yesterdays
16. Cherokee
17. What's New
18. I'll Remember April
19. Lullaby Of Birdland |
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