Decca U.S.
2008
Across The Crystal Sea - Conducted And Arranged By Claus Ogerman
About This Album
Many jazz pianists desire to record with strings at least one time in their careers. Such is the case on this CD by pianist Danilo Perez with arrangements by Claus Ogerman (who previously worked on recording projects with Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson, among others). The jazz group, which includes bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Hash, and percussionist Luis Quintero, plays acceptably but also often defers to the strings. On "Lazy Afternoon," the piece is nearly two-thirds over by the time Perez and his group make their entrance, though vocalist Cassandra Wilson shines in the dreamy setting. She also appears in "(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings," a neglected gem from decades ago; fortunately, Perez isn't shunted aside by the strings in this chart. Many of Ogerman's originals are derived from themes by classical composers Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Massenet, and others. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 1,2,5 and 7)

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