Jazz
Johnny Hartman Vocal
John Coltrane Tenor Saxophone
Illinois Jacquet Tenor Saxophone
Hank Jones Piano
McCoy Tyner Piano
Jim Hall Guitar
Jimmy Garrison Bass
Milt Hinton Bass
Elvin Jones Drums
Oliver Nelson Arranger, Conductor
Johnny Hartman was an unabashed romantic who was unafraid to risk sounding sentimental. In his lush baritone, he sang love songs straight, avoiding showy phrasing and vocal pyrotechnics and getting right to the lyrical heart of the matter.
Hartman is probably best known for the extraordinary album he recorded in 1963 with John Coltrane, but there was far more to his legacy. Three selections with Coltrane are included here, but so are equally impressive performances with small groups, a string section, and a big band. Whatever the context, it's that voice - rich, resonant, delivering each ode to love as though nothing else mattered - that holds us spellbound. |
