The Garden Of The Blues (Vinyl) – Shirley Horn Trio

SteepleChase originally released in 1984 this Shirly Horn’s live tribute to songwriter Curtis Lewis (1918 – 1987) who was one of the first black composers and lyricists to emerge on the Broadway scene in the early 40s. Shirley Horn (1934 – 2005) long connected to Lewis’s music brings deeply personal readings of “He’s Gone Again,” “Old Country,” and “Roaming Lover,” before unfolding the dramatic, story like suite The Garden of the Blues, quoting Lewis’s own linking prose. Her trio–Charles Ables (bass) and Steve Williams (drums)–provides subtle, breathing support, leaving space for Horn’s unhurried phrasing and emotional clarity. Newly remastered in 24 bit/96 kHz and pressed on 180g vinyl, this edition restores the concert’s warmth, poise, and luminous detail. “Shirley Horn has one of the most alluring voices in jazz – she lets the lyrics melt into a violet haze as she slowly unwraps the melody – and she’s an exceptional pianist…a wonderful, moving combination of voice and song.” (Cash Box)