Search - Lee Wiley, Ellis Larkins :: Duologue

Bittersweet, truly great jazz

08/10/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's a lot of snooty buzz about Lee Wiley. And it's all justified. Grab this CD while you can because Wiley's work is getting harder and harder to find, like Hoagy Carmichael's. Anyway, Wiley has a sensual yet slightly weak voice that brings out the bittersweetness of most of these songs. Truly excellent."

Duologue

Jasper | New England | 03/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being the work of Lee Wiley, it goes without saying that this is fantastic music.



Recorded in 1954, Lee Wiley is accompanied by an intimate quartet on eight selections, which are nearly as stunning as anything else she ever recorded. Wiley, as usual, is at the top of her game, and exquisitely delivers the haunting, bittersweet mood we love her for, not to mention a taste of her more playful, rhythmic side. Of course Wiley's voice has matured since her 30s and 40s recordings, but no excuses need be made here...she sounds absolutely wonderful, and can still be considered in her prime. For perspective, this recording was made 3.5 years after her beloved "Night In Manhattan" LP, and about two years prior to her great LP, "West Of The Moon."



Oddly, four selections are unaccompanied piano instrumentals played by Ellis Larkins, who does not actually interact with Lee Wiley on this disc. These tracks (2, 4, 9, and 11) are, in fact, quite lovely pieces, and fit in well. One could program them out, but as they are dispersed through the disc, these interludes add a charming cabaret atmosphere to the proceedings, and do fit the illusion of being of a piece with the whole. In the end, I rather enjoy these recordings.



Lee Wiley performs with a band consisting of:



Ruby Braff (trumpet)

Jimmy Jones (piano)

Bill Pemberton (bass)

Jo Jones (drums)



The Wiley session was recorded in NYC, on July 7, 1954.

Ellis Larkins tracks were also recorded in NYC in 1954, although the exact date is unknown.



The audio quality on this disc is crisp and clear, and while there is the occasional light crackle, it is absolutely listenable and satisfying.



Running time is 34:17



This is gorgeous, sophisticated, intimate music, and it is ESSENTIAL for anyone who enjoys Lee Wiley. It rarely gets much better than this."