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Jim Hall was a sideman on countless sessions with jazz notables--Sonny Rollins and Bill Evans to
name but two--yet his work as a leader remains largely unreissued. This makes the reappearance
of this 1976 live recording a real treat for jazz guitar fans, for whom Hall is one of the greatest and
most imitated legends.
Hall always approached performance with a strong sense of composition
and melody and, with the sparse backing of bass and drums, his talents come to the
forefront, whether it be on an plaintive treatment of “’Round Midnight” or a scurrying “Scrapple From
the Apple.” Throughout Hall displays a wealth of gripping single note work interspersed with
glistening chords. He is a subtle guitarist--
turn this CD up at full volume and it will still sound quiet--
yet has aligned himself with sidemen who allow him a high degree of interaction and nuance. Don
Thompson is a nimble bassist with a full tone who gets a wealth of solo time; Terry Clarke
contributes sensitive drumming behind. With only five tunes, the trio has plenty of opportunity to
stretch out into some wonderful improvisation and create first-rate live jazz. A treat for all fans of Jim
Hall.
Visit Verve on the web.
For related reviews, see Combing
the Verve Catalog.
~ Dave Rickert
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Track Listing: 1. Angel Eyes 2. ‘Round Midnight 3. Scrapple From the Apple 4. The Way You Look Tonight 5. I
Hear A Rhapsody.
Personnel: Jim Hall-guitar; Don Thompson-bass; Terry Clarke-drums.
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