Original Sin/Essence

• Artist: John Lewis
• Rating:
• Release Date: September 12, 2000
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Jazz

Review

This Collectables reissue pairs up two albums by pianist, arranger, and Modern Jazz Quartet musical director John Lewis. Original Sin was Lewis' second experiment with a symphony orchestra. This ballet was originally performed in 1961 at the Alcazar Theatre in San Francisco, CA, with the libretto provided by beat poet Kenneth Rexroth based on Adam and Eve. Without the added excitement that improvisation could have provided, Original Sin comes across stiff. On the other hand, Essence, released in 1964, allows space for improvising around the charts provided by vibraphonist Gary McFarland. Arranged by Lewis, it featuring an array of jazz greats including Eric Dolphy, Phil Woods, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Jimmy Giuffre, and Jim Hall. Both sessions have their moments, but Essence is the main attraction on this disc. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Creatoin of the World & Creation of Adam	John Lewis	John Lewis	(3:54)
Introduction	John Lewis	John Lewis	(:48)
Zebra, Lion, Camel [Variant 1]	John Lewis	John Lewis	(1:28)
Walrus, Ape [Variant II]	John Lewis	John Lewis	(:52)
Lamb, Leopard [Variant III]	John Lewis	John Lewis	(1:47)
Rabbit, Skunk [Variant IV]	John Lewis	John Lewis	(:44)
Variant V: Mountain Sheep, Deer	John Lewis	John Lewis	(1:38)
Finale	John Lewis	John Lewis	(2:11)
Birth of Eve	John Lewis	John Lewis	(3:47)
Adam and Eve Pas de Duex	John Lewis	John Lewis	(2:36)
Teaching and Temptation	John Lewis	John Lewis	(4:12)
Expulsion from the Garden of Eden	John Lewis	John Lewis	(2:46)
Hopeful Encounter	John Lewis	John Lewis	(4:40)
Tillamook Two	John Lewis	John Lewis	(7:11)
Night Float	John Lewis	John Lewis	(4:18)
Notions	John Lewis	John Lewis	(4:00)
Another Encounter	John Lewis	John Lewis	(5:10)
Wish Me Well	John Lewis	John Lewis	(7:44)

Credits

Tom Dowd (Engineer), William Arrowsmith (Oboe), Freddie Hubbard (Trumpet), Connie Kay (Drums), Harold Jones (Flute), Nick Travis (Trumpet), Mike Zwerin (Trombone), Gary McFarland (Conductor), George Duvivier (Bass), Billy Bean (Guitar), Phil Ichle (Engineer), Bob Northern (French Horn), Jimmy Giuffre (Sax (Baritone)), Herb Pomeroy (Trumpet), Gary McFarland (Arranger), Arif Mardin (Liner Notes), Benny Golson (Sax (Tenor)), Jim Hall (Guitar), Phil Woods (Clarinet), Bob Swisshelm (French Horn), Louis Mucci (Trumpet), Gunther Schuller (French Horn), Eric Dolphy (Flute (Alto))