DANILO PÉREZ — Across The Crystal Sea (Arranged & Conducted by Claus Ogerman) (2008) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Many jazz pianists desire to record with strings at least one time in their careers. Unfortunately, this frequently causes them to play a bit too conservatively, while the strings overwhelm the release. 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 Nash, and percussionist Luis Quintero, plays acceptably but they clearly are having to rein in too much in deference to the strings. One wonders how Perez has top billing when hearing "Lazy Afternoon," as the piece is nearly two-thirds over by the time he 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. Ogerman's originals, many of which are derived from themes by classical composers Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Massenet, and others, frankly aren't memorable at all. Skip this disappointing release. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1    Across The Crystal Sea    7:13
Claus Ogerman
2    Rays And Shadows    4:41
Claus Ogerman
3    Lazy Afternoon    6:39
John Latouche / Jerome Moross
4    The Purple Condor    8:41
Claus Ogerman
5    If I Forget You    5:39
Claus Ogerman
6    (All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings    7:44
Henri Herpin / Harold Rome
7    The Saga Of Rita Joe    7:39
Claus Ogerman
8    Another Autumn    9:28
Claus Ogerman
Credits :
Bass – Christian McBride
Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Conductor, Arranged By – Claus Ogerman
Drums – Lewis Nash
Percussion – Luis Quintero
Piano – Danilo Perez
Vocals – Cassandra Wilson (pistas: 3, 6)