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Chris Cortez: Top Secret (For Your Ears Only)
ByBut not before he cut Top Secret!. (Does anyone say "cut" a record anymore?) For this recording, Cortez had Austin, Texas luthier Ed Schaefer build him a "sexy and voluptuous" arch top (the guitar-woman metaphor never growing old...such is Romance). He named the guitar "Loretta." After having spent the previous year supporting Godmother Hall, Cortez got an expanded American Songbook under his skin and that exquisite irritation resulted in Top Secret.
Using a variety of rhythm sections and formats, Cortez puts together a detoured stroll through the American Songbook. Among a couple of well-composed originals are Earth, Wind and Fire's "That's The Way of the World" beside "Cry Me A River," and Frank Foster's "Simone" right beside "Stompin' and the Savoy." Very nice mix. Cortez's best tracks come from a little-big band, including "Cry me a River." The original "4:20," Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," and Cortez's own grand "New Blood" swing with a grace and evidence lacking from so many other releases.
Track Listing
4:20; That’s the Way of the World; Simone; Stompin’ at the Savoy; Different Strokes; The Man I Love; Donna Lee; Cry Me a River; This Masquerade; New Blood.
Personnel
Chris Cortez
percussionChris Cortez; guitar, vocals (8); Paul English: piano (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10); Anthony Sapp: bass (1, 6); Glen Ackerman: bass (3, 5, 9, 10); Andre Hayward: trombone (1, 8, 9, 10); Ken Easton: trumpet (1, 8, 9, 10); Seth Paynter: tenor saxophone (1, 8, 9, 10); Warren Sneed: alto saxophone (1, 8, 9, 10); Bill Murry: bass (2, 8); Joel Fulgham: drums (3, 6, 9); Robert Aguilar: drums (2, 8); Greg Petito: guitar (4, 7); Skip Nallia: piano (8).
Album information
Title: Top Secret (For Your Ears Only) | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Blue Bamboo Music
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About Chris Cortez
Instrument: Percussion
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