Melody is important! Having tremendous technical ability and knowing when and when not to use it is one of the most important aspects of a mature musician. A simple but eloquently stated melody will stand the test of time! I brought together a group of musicians that understands this, but certainly can “bring it” when necessary!  

The central idea for this album was to perform traditional standards along with new songs which fit within that framework. I wanted the vibe to be soulful and cool without losing character or depth. The driving force is the rhythm section with all the improvisation and attitude that only great jazz players can bring to a song.  

Bassist Brian Bromberg not only has phenomenal technique, but also knows how to make a melody bend to his will.   

Terri Lyne Carrington is an awesome drummer! It’s obvious she’s listening as she compliments what Brian and I are doing while adding just the right punctuation marks and colors.   Percussion, sax
and trumpet were used on some songs, but the core of the album is built around the musical personalities of Brian, Terri and myself. They are both incredible spontaneous composers and arrangers. --- As for the songs, here’s what’s up:

1. In A Mellow Tone
A Duke Ellington classic rearranged a bit. I love the lyric! It’s a simple message simply stated - more people should heed the advice. I dusted off my Rhodes for this one and Terri gets the chance to work the brushes for at least part of the tune. Quincy Jones used to tell me that all songs need a little grease. I put a little in there to help thicken up the sauce, using horns for spice.

2. For All We Know
I decided to approach this tune in a kind of jazz/hiphop swing groove. I sing the melody and then let it flow on the piano. This turned out to be the hardest song for me to sing because it was the last vocal recorded and my voice was getting tired. However, in the end it’s turned out to be one of my favorites because my voice sounded huskier than normal.

3. Never Will I Marry
I first heard on a Cannonball Adderley album featuring Nancy Wilson. I always loved the tune because the melody swings quite deliciously. After I cruise on the piano, Brian cuts loose a great solo followed by Terri Lyne - and Munyungo adds just the right ear candy.

4. Spring Is Here
A Richard Rodgers classic from the musical comedy “I Married An Angel.” I always loved the tune because it was simple enough to allow for augmentation, and interesting enough to make a great vehicle for improvisation. Once again I call on the Rhodes for exploration. I play a little vibes in the background and Ray Fuller on guitar adds what only Ray can – that’s why we call him “the weeper.”

5. Sweet Baby
This performance is solo piano and voice. It gave me the opportunity to sing the lyric in a more relaxed, rubato casual setting. It is a uniquely personal song which I think benefits from a  personal treatment.

6. Down The Road
This tune allows Terri to explore the brushes for the entire song which feels almost like a jam. The horns chime in from time to time and I play “grease” Rhodes, even scatting a little. The subject matter is life on the road.

7. So Many Stars
This is a beautiful song written by my good friend Sergio Mendes. I first played the song with Sarah Vaughn and instantly fell in love with it. Airto brings his essence to the tune allowing the song to breathe naturally. Likewise, Mike Miller’s acoustic guitar reminds me of an afternoon on Ipanema Beach in Brazil. This is a great example of a well
constructed song, one doesn’t need to do anything but simply state the obvious – the melody!

8. So I'll Pretend
A situation song. It has been recorded before by the incredible Dianne Reeves on an older album of mine. So I realize that it's presumptuous of me to attempt to re-sing it here, but in the end the fact that I wrote the song gives me a unique perspective on the lyric.

9. Quiet Fire
It's exactly what it says. It’s a bang-she-bop-she-boom, boom, boom, splash d-chaing-swish badang.

10. Just Because
This one's a real slow classic style jazz ballad much like the ballads on Miles Davis' album “Kind Of Blue.” I love those kind of tunes with a lot of space that you can practically drive a truck through - oh yeah!

11. I Loves You Porgy
Written by George & Ira Gershwin, "I Loves You Porgy" is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. For me the song has always conveyed a since of personal loss and longing, so I chose to give you the melody by solo piano.

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Now sit back and relax, read a book or grab a snack, Turn it up or turn it down, take a nap or move around, It’s your cake so bake it the way you want to,  In either case, just let the vibes flow through!

Peace,
GD