Performance

by Esther Phillips

Overview

Originally released in 1974, Performance is the fourth of seven albums that vocalist Esther Phillips recorded for Kudu, an offshoot of Creed Taylor's CTI label. Arranged and conducted by Pee Wee Ellis with assistance from Eugene McDaniels and Taylor, the session assembles a celebrated choice of soul, fusion, and mainstream jazz musicians including, Bob James, Richard Tee, Hubert Laws, Bernard Purdie, Pepper Adams, and Michael Brecker. Highlights among the eight songs include the tack piano romp through Dr. John's "Such a Night," the gospel-inspired "Living Alone (We're Going to Make It)," and funky readings of Isaac Hayes and David Porter's "Can't Trust Your Neighbor with Your Baby," "Doing Our Thing," and, surprisingly, Jerry Jeff Walker's classic composition "Mr. Bojangles." While Performance has been remastered and retains the original album art, there are no bonus tracks. ~ Al Campbell

Product Details

Release Date:	03/21/2025
Label:	King Japan
UPC:	4988003645625

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Esther Phillips   Primary Artist,Vocals
Carl Carldwell   Vocals (Background)
Charlie Brown   Guitar
J. Denise Williams   Vocals (Background)
Mike Brecker   Soloist,Sax (Tenor)
Paul Gershmann   Violin
Emanuel Green   Violin
Max Ellen   Violin
Richard Tee   Organ,Piano,Keyboards,Tack Piano
Tasha Thomas   Vocals (Background)
Lani Groves   Vocals (Background)
Charles Libove   Violin
Eric Weissberg   Guitar (Steel)
Jon Faddis   Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Jon Sholle   Guitar,Soloist
Hubert Laws   Flute
Pepper Adams   Sax (Baritone)
Urbie Green   Trombone
Pee Wee Ellis   Chimes
Jerry Dodgion   Sax (Alto)
Richie Resnicoff   Guitar
Charles McCracken   Cello
Patti Austin   Vocals (Background)
David Nadien   Violin
Steve Gadd   Drums
Bernard "Pretty" Purdie   Drums
Bob James   Piano,Keyboards,Piano (Electric)
Harold Coletta   Viola
John Gatchell   Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Matthew Raimondi   Violin
Gary King   Bass
Gordon Edwards   Bass
George Ricci   Cello
Robin Clark   Vocals (Background)
Richard Wyands   Piano
Marvin Stamm   Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Ralph MacDonald   Percussion
Manny Vardi   Viola,Violin
Al Brown   Viola

Technical Credits

Bob Ciano   Design
William Cadge   Photography
Jill Lynn   Composer
Isaac Hayes   Composer
Chris Smither   Composer
Creed Taylor   Producer
Clarence Carter   Composer
Mac Rebennack   Composer
Leon Pendarvis   Composer
Esther Phillips   Composer
Richard Seidel   Reissue Producer
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer
Pee Wee Ellis   Producer
Mark Wilder   Mastering
Allyn Lee   Composer
Maria Triana   Mastering
Billy Barnes   Composer
Clemmie McCants   Composer
Eugene McDaniels   Composer,Producer
David Porter   Composer
Jerry Jeff Walker   Composer