An under-rated classic.
Michael L. Rogers | Los Alamos, NM | 08/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this recording! It contains some of the warmest and most intimate playing of any Jim Hall album I've ever heard. I've never understood why it never caught on with many other Jim Hall fans or critics. I suppose, it's been overshadowed by his other wonderful CTI recording "Concierto". And many people simply prefer his less highly-produced live or small group recordings. That's understandable since, of course, that's the pure stuff for any Jim Hall fan. Still, most Hall fans love "Concierto" so I can't understand why this album hasn't gotten the respect it deserves.
Although I love "Concierto" as much as anybody, I personally enjoy "Commitment" as least as much. Although it's a relatively slickly-produced CTI recording, it nonetheless has a very live and intimate feeling to it. The intent was to showcase Hall's playing and compositions in a variety of relaxed settings, playing with friends. And it works admirably. The result is a series of thoughtful, occasionally playful and consistently engaging performances from all of the superb musicians on the album. The tunes range from lush ballads to lightly-but-definitly-swinging standards to an accoustic guitar and drum calypso duet to the beautiful "Lament for a Fallen Matador", Don Sebesky's arrangement based on Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor" included as a follow-up to the "Concierto de Aranjuez" arrangement on "Concierto". I've heard at least one critic complain about Hall's wife's singing on "When I Fall in Love". (A simple voice-guitar duet give to listeners a peak into the casual music Hall and his wife make at home.) Look. She's not a professional singer and that complaint entirely misses the point of why this piece was incluced here. And really, for an amatuer, her singing is much better than 90 some percent of us could do. I personally really liked her phrasing. (Critics can be such jerks.) Finally, I think Jim's performance on "My One and Only Love" with Tommy Flannagan is as good or better than any Jim Hall balad playing on record, bar none. I cannot fathom why it wasn't included on "Balad Essentials".
Admittedly, I'm biased. This was my first Jim Hall album and it turned me into a life-long fan. About 27 years ago I bought it (in vinyl) on a lark based on the beautiful D'Aquisto on the back. I was about 17 or 18 and my guitar instructor then was all about Pat Martino and I was looking for something more to my own tastes. After hearling Jim Hall play on this album, I was hooked for life. So this album has sentimental value to me. Still, I think it's a shame that this album is so overlooked by Jim Hall fans and critics. I'm just grateful that at least Universal made a release for the Janpanese market so that I was able to order the CD on Amazon.
If you're a Jim Hall fan and you haven't heard this album, get it while and wherever you can. It is truly a clasic and it is wonderful listening."
Sublime artistry
K. R. Williams | melbourne, australia | 07/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the finest guitar recordings, truly balm for the soul, as the late Humphrey Lyttelton had it. Were I too write ''long'' on this it would only echo the sentiments of Michael L. Rogers, whose detailed review is commended. As he says, this ranks with Jim Hall's masterpiece ''Concierto''. Seek it out. Oh, and don't underestimate Jane Hall's vocal on ''When I Fall in Love'', her phrasing is superb."
Great album, great service
Firey4tune | 08/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I received the album, Commitment, a couple of days earlier than expected. For more than 10 years I had been searching for this album. It was exciting and thrilling to receive it in such an excellent condition. I've played it for some of my friends."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1