Charles McPherson - Siku Ya Bibi (1972)

For the second of his three Mainstream sessions (one that has been reissued on CD), the bebop altoist Charles McPherson pays tribute to Billie Holiday; in fact, "Siku Ya Bibi" means "Day of the Lady" in Swahili.

The emphasis is mostly on ballads, with "Miss Brown to You" and "Lover Come Back to Me" being exceptions. Four of the eight selections find McPherson backed by ten strings arranged by Ernie Wilkins, while the remainder of the date has the altoist joined by a rhythm section that includes pianist Barry Harris. Although not quite up to the level of his upcoming, more freewheeling Xanadu sessions, this is a fine outing. Highlights include the two aforementioned cooking pieces, "Lover Man," "Good Morning Heartache," and "I'm a Fool to Want You." - by Scott Yanow, AMG

Tracks:
1. Don't Explain (Arthur Herzog Jr.) 4:25
2. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be) (Jimmy Davis/Roger Ramirez/James Sherman) 4:57
3. God Bless The Child (Arthur Herzog Jr.) 4:27
4. Miss Brown To You (Leo Robin/Richard Whiting/Ralph Rainger) 4:42
5. Good Morning Heartache (Irene Higginbotham/Ervin Drake/Dan Fisher) 4:16
6. For Heaven's Sake (Donals Meyer/Elise Bretton/Sherman Edwards) 5:02
7. I'm A Fool To Want You (Jack Wolf/Joel Herron/Frank Sinatra) 4:42
8. Lover Come Back To Me (Sigmund Romberg) 6:59
9. My Funny Valentine (Richard Rodgers/Lorentz Hart) 7:40

Personnel:
Charles McPherson (Alto Saxophone)
Barry Harris (Piano)
Leroy Williams (Drums)
Sam Jones (Double Bass) - 1-8
Earl Dunbar (Guitar) - 1-8
Max Ellen (Violin) - 1-8
Gene Orloff (Violin) - 1-8
David Nadien (Violin) - 1-8
Selwart Clarke (Violin) - 1-8
Joe Malin (Violin) - 1-8
Emanuel Green (Violin) - 1-8
Julian Barber (Viola) - 1-8
Alfred Brown (Viola) - 1-8
Kermit Moore (Cello) - 1-8
Alan Shulman (Cello) - 1-8
Carl Lynch (Guitar) - 9
Lonnie Hilliard (Trumpet) - 9
Ron Carter (Double Bass) - 9
Nico Bunink (Piano) - 9
Gene Bertoncini (Guitar) - 9

Ape:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Mp3:
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