Description
Recorded in The Brain and Creativity Institute’s Cammilleri Hall at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
John Pruit, executive producer
More jazz records should be like Sophisticated Lady Quartet, relaxed yet focused, tradition-based yet modern, elegant yet conveying a sure sense of swing. The recording is so pure that you almost feel as if you’re eavesdropping on four musicians who seem completely in their element while performing, in a one-take environment, a set that’s evenly split between previously rehearsed arrangements and performances where they had one chance to turn a composition into a memorable piece of music. No splicing or editing here, just a live-in-the-studio recording where the mood, playing and sonics are so solid that that jazz lovers will wish that the mostly-classical label Yarlung wandered over to this side of the street more often.
– Jeff Wilson, The Absolute Sound
The Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet’s debut recording should be of great interest to fans of forward-looking straight ahead jazz. Each of the four musicians is excellent both as soloists and in ensembles, the music that they perform ranges from melodic versions of standards to lyrical originals and freer explorations, and their subtle playing keeps one guessing. This CD is well worth exploring and I certainly recommend it.
– Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene
Look out Brubeck, Sophisticated Lady’s remarkable debut should perhaps be re-titled TAKE ONE. Why? Each tune was captured in one take! The 60+ minute CD also celebrates Yarlung’s audiophile venture into JAZZ with a splatter of Chet Baker’s seductive, kicked-back Californication daubed with a drizzle of Miles at his mellowest. No matter how busy your day, an evening spin through this one will definitely move your mood.
– David Thomson, Record Collector News
Soundcloud
Short Version: Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet
leslie –
I am really enjoying this album. Some of the tunes are jazz classics, and the rest just sound that way. I especially enjoy the ballad “Gone” written by Drummer Andrew Boyle. “Ropes of Sand” is another favorite.
Alan Bubitz –
Great album of well recorded Jazz. Music is wonderful and is recorded very nicely if that’s important to you. Very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Mitchel Whitehead –
Superb recording with great tonality and a wonderful sense of air and space around the musicians. A great demo disc for my Raidho D 3.1 speakers. The trumpet was particularly well recorded, with just the right amount of bite.
Bob Attiyeh –
Mitchel, thanks so much for your comment. We are incredibly proud of Sophisticated Lady jazz quartet’s accomplishments. I am glad they are making your Raidhos happy! Your system must be superb.
Glad you like the presentation of JJ’s trumpet. JJ worked hard on his stage placement with me.
Thanks so much,
Bob Attiyeh, producer