George Shearing: In a Chinese Garden
Musicians:
George Shearing (piano), Marjorie Hyams (vibes), Chuck Wayne (guitar), John Levy (bass), Denzil Best (drums).
Composed by Chuck Wayne
.Recorded: New York, July 27, 1949
Rating: 94/100 (learn more)
Like Albert W. Ketèlbey's 1925 "In a Chinese Temple Garden," one of the staples of British light music, "In a Chinese Garden" invokes clichés; but it also shimmers with Debussy-esque delicacy, transporting us to a tranquil landscape in which the fluttering of bamboo shoots, water gently dripping into a jade green pond, and fragrance of jasmine are palpable. A lovely, contemplative and unjustly neglected travelogue from a cornerstone cool jazz group that committed the cardinal sin of popularity. To critics, the more widely loved an artist, the less worthy of respect. To prove them wrong, sneak into this "Chinese Garden."
Reviewer: Alan Kurtz
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