Live at Town Hall, N.Y.C.

• Artist: Gene Harris w/ Philip Morris Superband
• Rating:
• Release Date: September 23, 1989
• Total Time: 62:30
• Type: Live, Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

This CD documents one of the first concerts by Gene Harris' star-studded big band, an orchestra heard at the beginning of an 80-day world tour. Unlike his earlier big band Basie tribute album, Harris is not the only musician to get significant solo space on this set although, due to the overflowing lineup, not enough is heard from everyone. The straightforward arrangements (by John Clayton, Frank Wess, Torrie Zito, Bob Pronk and Lex Jasper) balance swingers with ballads. Among the more memorable tracks are Harry "Sweets" Edison's feature (both muted and open) on "Sleepy Time Down South," a pair of fine vocals apiece by Ernie Andrews and Ernestine Anderson, the roaring "Old Man River" and Harris' interpretation of Erroll Garner's ballad "Creme de Menthe." Toss in short solos from the likes of Ralph Moore, James Morrison (on trombone), Frank Wess, Michael Mossman and baritonist Gary Smulyan and the result is a satisfying, swinging and fairly fresh big band date. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
The Surrey With the Fringe on Top	Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(4:28)
Crème de Menthe	Erroll Garner	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(4:34)
When It's Sleepy Time Down South	Leon René, Clarence Muse, Otis Rene	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(4:08)
Love Is Here to Stay	George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin	Gene Harris, Ernie Andrews, The Philip Morris Superband	(5:20)
I'm Just a Lucky So and So	Duke Ellington, Mack David	Gene Harris, Ernie Andrews, The Philip Morris Superband	(6:25)
Serious Grease	John Clayton	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(6:30)
Like a Lover	Dorival Caymmi, Dori Caymmi, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Nelson Motta	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(3:57)
Ol' Man River	Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(4:50)
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?	Eddie DeLange, Louis Alter	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(5:43)
Porgy and Bess Medley: Strawberry Woman/I Loves You Porgy/It Ain't Ne	George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(6:06)
You're My Everything	Harry Warren, Joe Young, Mort Dixon	Ernestine Anderson, Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(3:10)
There Is No Greater Love	Isham Jones, Marty Symes	Ernestine Anderson, Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(3:32)
Things Ain't What They Used to Be	Mercer Ellington, Duke Ellington, Ted Persons	Gene Harris, The Philip Morris Superband	(3:47)

Credits

Frank Wess (Arranger), Gene Harris (Performer), Kooster McAllister (Recording Director), Rob Pronk (Arranger), Jeff Hamilton (Drums), Ernie Andrews (Vocals), Frank Wess (Sax (Alto)), Frank Wess (Flute), Herb Ellis (Guitar), Kent Judkins (Art Direction), Eddie Bert (Trombone), James Morrison (Trombone), Michael Mossman (Trumpet), James Moody (Sax (Tenor)), Carl E. Jefferson (Producer), Harry "Sweets" Edison (Trumpet), Allen Farnham (Assistant Producer), Carl Jefferson (Producer), Urbie Green (Trombone), Gary Smulyan (Sax (Baritone)), John Clayton (Arranger), Phil Edwards (Engineer), Johnny Coles (Trumpet), Andrew Whist (Liner Notes), Joe Mosello (Trumpet), James Moody (Flute), Kooster McAllister (Engineer), James Moody (Clarinet), Gene Harris (Piano), Ernestine Anderson (Vocals), Ralph Moore (Sax (Tenor)), Kooster McAllister (?), Ray Brown (Bass), George Horn (Mastering), Paul Faulise (Trombone (Bass)), Chuck Cavanaugh (?), Lex Jasper (Arranger), Phil Edwards (Remixing), Torrie Zito (Arranger)