Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bill Lacy: The Gifts of Life
Bill Lacy: The Gifts of Life
When his family was finally financially secure and the children were grown up, Lacy was able to realize a more active schedule at the age of 62. He formed his own group and also played in the Philadephia Legends of Jazz Big Band and the Clef Club. However, it wasn't until he reached 72 that he was able to realize his biggest goal, which was to record a sampling of his compositions to share with his fans and family. The Gifts of Life is Bill Lacy's aptly titled debut recortding.
Accompanied by a septet comprised of players from the Philadelphia-New York corridor, Lacy lives up to his promises with three pieces from the Great American Songbook. The remainder are all Bill Lacy originals. Beginning in a slow and polished style, Lacy performs "Am I Blue" and "In A Sentimental Mood" as a ballad introduction and adds an up-tempo version of Don Redman's "Cherry" before turning to his favorites. The mood pieces, like "Our Love Was Meant To Be" and "I Guess I'll Try Once More," are attractive, while "Chicken Wings Jackson" (named for drummer Al Jackson) and "The H & H" provide a bebop flair. Bill Lacy ends with the title tune, which has a certain similarity to the Michel Legrand movie theme "Little Boy Lost."
Track Listing
Am I Blue; In A Sentimental Mood; Contrapuntal; Lacy; Cherry; Our Love Was Meant To Be; Not For Me; Chicken Wings Jackson; The H&H; I Guess I'll Try Once More; Right Side Up; The Gifts of Life.
Personnel
Bill Lacy: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jim Ridl: piano; Gerald "Twig" Smith: guitar; Michael Boone, Doug Kirschner: bass; Al Jackson, Milton McLauren: drums.
Album information
Title: The Gifts of Life | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Dreambox Media
< Previous
Serbia
Next >
Mean What You Say