JIM HALL - Concierto (1975-2003) RM / SACD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Jim Hall is the sort of musician who displays such technical expertise, imaginative conception, and elegance of line and phrase that almost any recording of his is worth hearing. Still, Concierto ranks among the best albums of his superb catalog. For starters, the personnel here is a jazz lover's dream come true. Paul Desmond (saxophone), Chet Baker (trumpet), Roland Hanna (piano), Ron Carter (bass), and Steve Gadd (drums) are on board, creating -- along with Hall -- one of the highest profile lineups ever put to tape. Yet Concierto is not about star power and showboating. As subtle, nuanced, and considered as any of Hall's output, the ensemble playing here demonstrates great group sensitivity and interplay, giving precedence to mood and atmosphere over powerhouse soloing. Conductor and arranger Don Sebesky evinces a chamber ambience from the sextet on "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," the smoky "The Answer Is Yes," and the Hall centerpiece "Concierto de Aranjuez." by Anthony Tognazzini
Tracklist:
1    You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 7:05
Written-By – Cole Porter
2    Two's Blues 3:50
Written-By – Jim Hall
3    The Answer Is Yes 7:35
Written-By – Jane Hall
4    Concierto De Aranjuez 19:20
Written-By – Joaquin Rodrigo
- Bonus Tracks -
5    Rock Skippin' 6:11
Written-By – Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington
6    Unfinished Business (La Paloma Azul) 4:40
Written-By – Carlos Chávez, Johnny Andrews
7    You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (Alternate Take) 7:26
8    The Answer Is Yes (Alternate Take)    5:34
9    Rock Skippin' (Alternate Take)    6:06
Credits:
Adapted By – Don Sebesky (tracks: 4)
Alto Saxophone – Paul Desmond
Arranged By – Don Sebesky
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Steve Gadd
Guitar – Jim Hall
Piano – Roland Hanna
Producer – Creed Taylor
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Trumpet – Chet Baker