Color and Light: Jazz Sketches of Sondheim

Performer: Various Artists
Engineer: Joel Moss
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Producers include: Miles Goodman, Oscar Castro-Neves. Personnel: Nancy Wilson , Holly Cole (vocals); Jim Hall (guitar); Wayne Shorter (soprano saxophone); Grover Washington, Jr. (tenor saxophone); Terence Blanchard (trumpet); Geoff Keezer, Herbie Hancock, Aaron Davis, Bruce Barth (piano); Jeff Hirshfield, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Troy Davis, Brian Blade (drums). Audio Mixer: Joel Moss . Liner Note Author: Michael Bourne. Recording information: Clinton Recording Studios, New York, NY; HIt Factory; RPM, NY; Signet Sound, Los Angeles, CA; Westlake. Photographers: Donald Dietz; Jimmy Katz; Joel Moss . With so few major composers still alive by the mid-'90s, it was logical that jazz musicians would try to expand their repertoire by exploring the works of non-jazz writers. None of Stephen Sondheim's compositions have thus far become jazz standards but that may change after the release of this CD. Three of the tracks unfortunately feature vocals by the overdramatic Nancy Wilson and the R&Bish Peabo Bryson but Holly Cole (on two numbers) fares much better. The most interesting moments are provided by the all-star musicians which include such players as tenors Joshua Redman and Grover Washington, Jr., guitarist Jim Hall, pianist Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter on soprano and trumpeter Terence Blanchard among others. Sondheim himself makes a guest appearance in a piano duet with Hancock on "They Ask Me Why I Believe in You." And best of all, there is no version here of "Send in the Clowns." This varied set has its memorable performances. ~ Scott Yanow

Rolling Stone (6/29/95, p.44) - "...Surprisingly free of archness and pretension, COLOR makes a listenable case for the broadening of jazz repertoire beyond Sondheim's signature `Send In The Clowns'..." Entertainment Weekly (3/17/95, p.90) - "...It seems like 30 years--probably because it is--since jazz artists performed musical-theater songs of the day. Here's a breakthrough: an all-star jazz album of compositions by Stephen Sondheim..." - Rating: B+ JazzTimes (4/95, p.98) - "...[COLOR AND LIGHT] turn[s] the tables on the notion that jazz and the compositions of Stephen Sondheim don't mix. A stellar jazz cast makes it happen..." Vibe (4/95, p.95) - "...it seems appropriate that brilliant composer...Sondheim...get his props from the players on today's jazz and vocal scenes...A moving compilation."

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