Various Artists: Jazz For The Quiet Times

Produced by Adam Dorn, this collection of slow heartfelt instrumental standard reissues featuring saxophone, organ & guitar, vibraphone, mellow trumpet, or a combination of those, is – quite simply – "music to relax to." Centered around an arrangement of Benny Golson’s "Whisper Not" featuring vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, the compilation consists of familiar ballad material with slow walking bass and a drummer’s swirling brushes. Working with Hutcherson are pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist John Heard, and drummer Billy Higgins, who share the solo spotlight with due respect paid to the lyrical muse. Antoine Roney’s "Estate" and his brother Wallace’s "Smooch," with pianists Jacky Terrasson and Geri Allen respectively, are dreamy heartfelt flowing ballads. Russell Gunn’s arrangement of "You Don’t Know What Love Is" glows through his confident trumpet tone and controlled half-valve expressions. On "Send In the Clowns" guitarist Pat Martino expresses the familiar melody while Gil Goldstein counters from the electric piano. The timbre combination is void of low bass tones and somewhat clouded. J.J. Johnson’s "Lament" offers Kenny Burrell the opportunity to share his ballad style with the audience. The guitarist goes it alone for the first two minutes, and is then joined by bassist Larry Ridley and drummer Ben Riley. The trio offers exceptional ballad material that recalls those "quiet times" when we just want to be alone with nothing but our thoughts.