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Peter Appleyard: Sophisticated Ladies
ByBorrowing music from the songbooks of Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, Tadd Dameron, Hoagy Carmichael and, of course, the great Duke Ellington, Appleyard puts together a recording of old school jazz. Offering fresh new arrangements of oft-recorded standards, the vibraphonist remains true to each melody, keeping it straight and simple, with only the songbirds adding sophistication to the music. Eschewing the usual horns (saxophone, trumpet, and trombones) associated with a jazz quintet; Appleyard employs a unique vibes/piano/guitar format which works quite well.
Pianist John Sherwood, along with bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke, opens the set, featuring vocalist Emile-Clarke Barlow on a swinging version of "After You've Gone," followed by a vibe-intense rendition of "It's Only A Paper Moon," with Elizabeth Sheppard providing its hushed vocals. Jill Barber lends her unique sound to Porter's immortal "Love For Sale," with guitarist Reg Schwager weighing in. The vibes and Jackie Richardson share the limelight on the classic "Georgia On My Mind," while Sophie Milman gives Dameron's "If You Could See Me Now" a lively treatment, with the help of a fine Appleyard solo.
Veteran singer Molly Johnson has the honor of voicing Ellington's title track, followed by perhaps the best track of the album, Porter's famous "Night And Day," capturing terrific instrumentals from the group and Carol Welsman's piano and dynamic vocals. Barbra Lica and Carol McCartney voice the other two Ellington tunes, "Satin Doll" and ""Mood Indigo." The voices are silenced after an absolutely beautiful version of Charlie Chaplin's unforgettable "Smile," presented by singer Diana Panton, completing another special album from the very special Appleyard.
On Sophisticated Ladies, ten wonderful songstresses share their own unique approach to a collection of songs the world has come to know and cherish, delivering each one with a measure of swing, passion and class.
Track Listing
After You've Gone; It's Only A Paper Moon; Love For Sale; Georgia On My Mind; If You Could See Me Now; Sophisticated Lady; Night And Day; Satin Doll; Mood Indigo; Smile.
Personnel
Peter Appleyard
vibraphonePeter Appleyard: vibraphone; John Sherwood: piano; Reg Schwager: guitar; Neil Swainson: bass; Terry Clarke: drums; Emilie-Claire Barlow: vocals (1); Elizabeth Shepherd: vocals (2); Jill Barber: vocals (3); Jackie Richardson: vocals (4); Sophie Milman: vocals (5); Molly Johnson: vocals (6); Carol Welsman: vocals (7), piano (7); Barbara Lica: vocals (8); Carol McCartney: vocals (9); Diana Panton: vocals (10).
Album information
Title: Sophisticated Ladies | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Linus Entertainment