The Quarantined Jazz Voyager

Politics, unfortunately, are an integral ingredient in getting their idea of bringing financial stability back to America. Let us continue to practice the use of common sense when it comes to the future of society. As I observe, public companies are following the suggestions of governors to allow entry without masks and without checking. I can’t get with the honor system.

So in maintaining social distancing, this week I have selected the 1998 album Pure Imagination by pianist and composer Eric Reed, released through Impulse! Records. The album contains reinterpretations of traditional songs from classic Broadway and Hollywood productions.

Reed recorded the album on July 28~29, 1997 and was produced by Tommy LiPuma. The musicals from which the songs were taken are (2) West Side Story, (3) The King & I, (4) Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, (5) 42nd Street, (6) A Little Night Music, (7) Porgy & Bess, and (9) Carousel.

It peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Top Jazz Album charts. All songs are written by famous songwriters of said productions except for the opening and closing tracks that were composed by Reed.

Track Listing | 49:52

  1. Overture ~ 2:02
  2. Maria (Leonard Bernstein, Richard Rodgers, & Stephen Sondheim) ~ 6:35
  3. Hello, Young Lovers (Rodgers and Hammerstein) ~ 5:16
  4. Pure Imagination (Leslie Bricusse, & Anthony Newley) ~ 4:04
  5. 42nd Street (Harry Warren & Al Dubin) ~ 4:07
  6. Send in the Clowns (Stephen Sondheim) ~ 4:54
  7. My Man’s Gone Now/Gone, Gone, Gone (DuBose Heyward, George & Ira Gershwin) ~ 8:15
  8. Nice Work If You Can Get It (George & Ira Gershwin) ~ 3:58
  9. You’ll Never Walk Alone (Rodgers and Hammerstein) ~ 2:18
  10. I Got Rhythm (George & Ira Gershwin) ~ 5:05
  11. Finale (Last Trip) ~ 3:40
Personnel
  • Eric Reed – Piano
  • Brian Bromberg – Bass
  • Reginald Veal – Bass
  • Gregory Hutchinson – Drums

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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