Azure

by King Curtis

Overview

King Curtis' lone LP for the tiny Everest label eschews his signature gutbucket R&B approach in favor of a late-night, bluesy atmosphere that brilliantly captures the unparalleled soulfulness of his tenor sax solos. Ballads and standards spanning from "Unchained Melody" to "The Nearness of You" are vividly realized by the lush arrangements of Sammy Lowe, complete with vocal contributions from the Malcolm Dodds Singers. Still, it's Curtis' melancholy leads that command the spotlight, boasting the cerebral intricacy of jazz and the emotional heft of soul. [Originally released in 1960, Essential Media Group's 2007 reissue appends the bonus tracks "Lonely Prairie" and "Jay Walk."] ~ Jason Ankeny

Product Details

Release Date:	06/05/2007
Label:	Essential Media Group
UPC:	0894231101724

Tracks

1. Close Your Eyes
2. Unchained Melody
3. Off Shore
4. The Nearness of You
5. Misty
6. Stranger
7. When I Fall in Love
8. It Ain't Necessarily So
9. Our Love Is Here to Stay
10. My Love Is Your Love
11. Sweet and Lovely
12. Azure
13. Lonely Prairie
14. Jay Walk

Album Credits

Performance Credits

King Curtis   Primary Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Jimmy Lewis   Bass
Billy Bauer   Guitar
Panama Francis   Drums
Raymond Beckenstein   Flugelhorn
Lloyd Trotman   Bass
Ernie Royal   Trumpet
Mundell Lowe   Guitar
Herman Foster   Piano
Belton Evans   Drums
Eddie Bert   Trombone
Garvin Bushell   Oboe,Flute
Ernie Hayes   Piano
Marshall Royal   Clarinet,Sax (Alto)

Technical Credits

Bill Dahl   Liner Notes
King Curtis   Composer
Paul Klein   Executive Producer
Aldo Venturacci   Design,Art Direction
Anita Darian   Performer
Austin Powell   Liner Notes
Michael H. Goldsen   Composer
Malcolm Dodds   Performer
Gus Arnheim   Composer
Hy Zaret   Composer
Charles Daniels   Composer
Bernice Petkere   Composer
Harry Tobias   Composer
Alex North   Composer
Rama Barwick   Reissue Producer
Roger Kash   Project Coordinator
Ralph H. Fields   Performer
Noah Hopkins   Performer
Christine Spencer   Performer
George Gershwin   Composer
Ira Gershwin   Composer
Sammy Lowe   Direction
Ned Washington   Composer