DAVE GRUSIN - Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story (1997) Mp3

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of West Side Story on Broadway, Dave Grusin revived the score, giving its ten themes fresh arrangements that keep the original melodies in mind but add a stronger dose of jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms to the music. For the most rewarding recording of this music since Stan Kenton's powerful renditions of the early 1960s, Grusin utilized an all-star big band with strings. Among the key soloists are trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, Bill Evans (who takes several superlative soprano solos), Michael Brecker on tenor, baritonist Ronnie Cuber and flutist Dave Valentin (who is featured on a purposely cute rendition of "I Feel Pretty") plus the pianist/leader, who clearly loves the music. In addition, one song apiece features vocalists Jonathan Butler ("Maria"), Gloria Estefan and Jon Secada. Although one wishes that the singers were more jazz-oriented (or that the entire date were instrumental), the overall result is a very respectful yet creative reworking of the famous score. Highly recommended. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Prologue 5:01
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Don Sebesky
2     Something's Coming 5:34
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Don Sebesky
3     Jet Song 7:42
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Michael Abene
4     Maria 4:24
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
5     Cool 4:48
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Tom Scott
6     Tonight 4:05
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
7     I Feel Pretty 5:16
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
8     One Hand, One Heart 4:30
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
9     Somewhere 4:26
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
10     America 8:20
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Michael Abene
All Credits :