J.J. Johnson

J.J. JOHNSON WITH THE ROBERT FARNON ORCHESTRA - TANGENCE (1994)

This one goes to Doug.

1. People Time
2. The Meaning Of The Blues
3. For Dancers Only
4. Dinner For One, Please, James
5. Two's Company
6. Lament
7. Opus De Focus
8. The Very Thought Of You
9. Amazing Grace
10. Malaguena
11. The End Of A Love Affair
12. Malaga Moon

Trombonist J.J. Johnson is joined by a string orchestra arranged by Robert Farnon for most of the performances on this CD. Farnon's sweeping scores can sometimes come closer to movie music and muzak than jazz but the high quality of the songs and a few surprising departures make this CD recommended. Wynton Marsalis has three guest appearances (including a spirited unaccompanied duet with Johnson on the old Jimmy Lunceford hit "For Dancers Only"), Johnson takes his blues "Opus De Focus" as a duet with bassist Chris Laurence and the trombonist is in particularly fine form on such numbers as "The Meaning of the Blues," "Dinner for One, Please, James," "The Very Thought of You" and his own "Lament." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide