Love Songs, Ballads And Standards

Performer: Irvin Mayfield
Engineer: Steve Reynolds
Producer: Irvin Mayfield; Irvin Mayfield
Distributor: RED Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Irvin Mayfield (trumpet); Ellis Marsalis (piano); Neal Caine (bass instrument, bass guitar); Jaz Sawyer (drums, drum); Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Audio Mixer: Steve Reynolds. Liner Note Author: Irvin Mayfield. Recording information: New Orleans Museum Of Art (06/2004-06/2007); Orpheum Theater (06/2004-06/2007); Piety Street Studios (06/2004-06/2007). Photographer: Greg Miles. A case study in how disparate generations can be united by a love of music, LOVE SONGS, BALLADS AND STANDARDS finds young-lion trumpeter Irvin Mayfield joining forces with elder-statesman pianist Ellis Marsalis. New Orleans natives both, Mayfield and Marsalis honor their city and the jazz tradition on this collection of standbys ("In a Sentimental Mood," "Round Midnight") and contemporary pop (Norah Jones's "Don't Know Why"). Mayfield lost his father in Hurricane Katrina (along with the original tapes for this album), and a sense of loss and mournfulness informs the more delicate passages. Marsalis's tasteful piano is the perfect complement to Mayfield's mellow, plaintive trumpet, and together they deliver an elegant, deeply felt, and enjoyable set. New Orleans native Irvin Mayfield was devastated to learn that Hurricane Katrina had taken the life of his father in 2005. The sessions and live performances heard on this CD were also lost to the storm, but fortunately, the trumpeter had mixes preserved on his iPod, so the music was saved. Veteran jazz educator/pianist Ellis Marsalis is Mayfield's accomplished partner for this far-reaching mix of standards, jazz compositions, and modern pop, adding a rhythm section and, on some tracks, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Mayfield's sound is heartfelt throughout, while Marsalis' reserved style of playing is the perfect complement. The lush setting of "My One and Only Love" and the moody "'Round Midnight" are obvious highlights. Separate versions of the Beatles' "Yesterday," one of their best ballads, open and close the CD. But some of the pop material does not hold up as well. In spite of Mayfield's best efforts, Leon Russell's "Superstar" and Norah Jones' huge hit "Don't Know Why" quickly wear out their welcome with their repetitious themes. Surprisingly, Burt Bacharach's "A House Is Not a Home," recorded by more than a few jazz musicians, is hampered by a dull rhythm backing. But a few rough spots don't prevent Irvin Mayfield from delivering a romantic CD of his favorite ballads. ~ Ken Dryden

Down Beat (p.76) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Marsalis operates as a discreet accompanist, supporting Mayfield and offering melodic direction. His brief solo on the trio version of 'Yesterday' is lovely and his outings on 'Mo' Betta Blues' and ''Round Midnight' are full of rhythmic, blues-rooted �lan." JazzTimes (p.108) - "Most of the highlights...find Mayfield and Marsalis soulfully interpreting vintage pop and jazz favorites, aided by bassist Neal Caine and drummer Jaz Sawyer's hand-in-glove support."

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