Description

Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London

There is nothing hurried about this disc. That said, the music is focused and will stretch your mind. Lewis employed masterful melodic improvisers here: Paul Gonsalves, Eric Dolphy, Jim Hall among others. Listen to Body and Soul as it builds powerfully and the soloists explore every possible melodic theme, where the quiet power of these master musicians is almost too much to take. Listen to I Remember Clifford where the players are essentially the MJQ with Jim Hall replacing Milt Jackson. This set swings, but oh-so-elegantly. Just like Mr. Lewis.

Whether youre an old-time jazz afficionado or new to the genre, this album is essential. In my opinion, Lewis lovely solo on Body & Soul makes his version virtually definitive 15 minutes of bliss. The rest of the album, particularly Afternoon in Paris, is at the same level. Wonderful is the perfect title for this record.

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