The Art of The Song by Charlie Haden

01 Sep

Written by Ron Meyers
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This is a very unique album. Aside from Haden on bass (also doing one beautiful vocal), there is Alan Broadbent, Ernie Watts (playing exceptional tenor) and Larance Marable on drums. Couple them with a huge chamber orchestra (with five cellos) and then add in one of my personal favorites for least known vocalists, Bill Henderson (yes the same cat that was in many "Dirty Harry" movies). But don't stop there, because Shirley Horn is also a featured vocalist. Arranged and conducted by Broadbent, this album is an "experience".

Remember the first time you saw an exquisite painting or some other beautiful work of art? Well this album borders on an experience of what "beauty" is.

Bill Henderson's version of "Why Did I Choose You" (credited as being from the play "The Yearling" in '65) will melt the hardest heart. Run, do not walk, for this one.