Nonesuch
2001
Songs Without Words
About This Album
Fred Hersch's sixth release for Nonesuch is a three-CD set, with separate volumes focusing on original works, classic jazz, and, finally, songs by Cole Porter. His suite of six "Songs Without Words" can't help but highlight his background in classical music, but his lyrical pieces still have the "sound of surprise" that differentiates jazz from all other forms of music. Percussionist Jamey Haddad joins the pianist for a remake of "Child's Song," the most free form performance on the first disc. "Up in the Air," a duet with flügelhornist Ralph Alessi, is a hypnotic waltz that proves to be immediately captivating. Hersch revisits two of his early compositions, and "Heartsong," a happy piece that bursts with energy and remains one of his most enduring works; there's also a new version of his moody ballad "Sarabande." Disc two has some interesting twists. Thelonious Monk's "Work" isn't all that well-known, and the pianist responds to its quirky theme with an imaginative improvisation. Russ Freeman's "The Wind" receives an initially melodic treatment then detours into a free form setting that remains accessible.
Track List

Disc 1 (try tracks 3,5 and 9)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Disc 2 (try tracks 1,2,4,5,7,9 and 10)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Disc 3 (try tracks 1,6,7,8 and 10)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

 
report abuse