Gary Thomas: Lush Life
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Recorded: New York, May 8-14, 1992
Rating: 90/100 (learn more)
Although Gary Thomas is better known for hard-driving improv than for playing classic ballads, on this track he spends more time playing the theme of this wonderful Strayhorn composition than improvising. And he does so as a master stylist, tackling the melody with a tenor timbre that doesn't sound as dark as usual. Pat Metheny supports him on acoustic guitar in a very basic and unsophisticated way, as close to the natural sound of the instrument as possible. This duet remains not only a fine version of a timeless standard, but an unexpected foray out of their usual paths by two great musicians.
Reviewer: Thierry Quénum
Tags: 1990s · ballads · lush life · tenor sax
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