Ballads

Recordings

Ballads cover This first SOLO recording (as opposed to Ensemble) by KIM RICHMOND, "Ballads" is a jazz collection of 17 tracks (not all slow)--16 standards that are some of Kim's favorites, and 1 original, on the Chase Music Group label.
Produced by Kim Richmond
Recorded November 23, 24, 1999 at Fox Fire Studios, Van Nuys, CA
Additional recording January 13, 2000, Studio Ho, North Hollywood, CA
Engineer: Talley Sherwood; Assistants: James Bennett
Booth consultant: Bill Motzing
Mastering: Talley Sherwood
Liner notes: Kim Richmond
Cover art: “The Mooring” 10” x 12” oil on canvas by Chris Zambon
Layout/design: Jeff Hole for Visual Concepts
Much thanks to Perk for advice and encouragement

Personnel: Selections:

Kim Richmond - alto and soprano saxophones
Reggie Thomas - piano,
Trey Henry - bass
Joe La Barbera - drums

Some tracks include and feature
Clay Jenkins (trumpet),
Bill Perkins - baritone saxophone
Vinny Golia or Bob Carr (baritone saxophones)
Brad Dutz (percussion).

Notes and Liner Notes

I admit it: I’m in love with ballads. One of the important elements of performing ballads is sound. When that subject comes up as applied to the alto saxophone, I, of course, have my favorites and my vital influences. The listener will hear traces of Charlie Mariano, also Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderly, and of course Bird (where we all came from in our modern jazz era). And then there’s Johnny Hodges and Marshall Royal. These all (and a few others) are voices that speak to me a passionate language, that reaches into my inner soul. I hope I can affect someone out there in a similar manner.
These are ballads that have great meaning for me.

  1. NEVER LET ME GO
    Every couple has an “our song,” and this is Chris’ and mine. Relatively obscure, there were memorable recordings made of this song by vocalists Nat King Cole and Nancy Wilson, as well as pianist Bill Evans.

  2. YOUNG & FOOLISH
    Another of my long-time favorite ballads, this one features my soprano on the melody and Clay Jenkins with an outstandingly special solo. This was a first and only take. Thanks to Frank Mantooth, from whom I borrowed some of the alternate chord changes.

  3. I WISH I KNEW
    This is a rubato treatment of this lovely tune, with constant rhapsodic movement. I was inspired to record this after hearing the duo recording of saxophonist George Coleman and pianist Tete Montelui.

  4. LAZY AFTERNOON
    A favorite of my wife Chris’ (June Christy did one of the original recordings of this), our version features the truly soulful sound of Clay Jenkins’ trumpet in duo with my soprano saxophone. Bari player Bob Carr has a heartfelt piece of the melodic statement.

  5. STREET OF DREAMS
    Here’s another long-time favorite. I’ve already recorded this song with my Concert Jazz Orchestra, but I wanted to do a different version here. Percussionist Brad Dutz and I start this one off, joined suddenly by the full rhythm section. This is a ballad that need not be slow of tempo.

  6. I’M GONNA LAUGH YOU RIGHT OUT OF MY LIFE
    This one has become obscure over the years, but it remains one of my favorite ballads. I learned it from a recording by Nat King Cole. Our version features the caressing baritone saxophone sound of Bill Perkins, and an inspiring bass solo from Trey Henry.

  7. DARN THAT DREAM
    Long a favorite, this song has many twists and turns, both melodic and harmonic. Reggie and I do this as a duet for soprano and piano.

  8. I’M A FOOL TO WANT YOU
    One of Sinatra’s famous ballads, this tune has always been special for me as a result of hearing a version by guitarist Kenny Burrell. Its drawn-out mournful quality supports its attractiveness. Brad Dutz’ percussion gives it an exotic flavor.

  9. CHARLENE WALTZ
    Named for a long-time family friend, this is my only original on the album. It is made distinctive by Reggie Thomas’ reharmonization and gospel-tinged feeling.

  10. IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD
    Perhaps one of Duke Ellington’s most recorded ballads, our version features Perk on the beginning and end, with the baritone saxophone inventions of Vinny Golia in the middle section.

  11. A FLOWER IS A LOVESOME THING
    I was planning to record this Billy Strayhorn composition as an alto solo without accompaniment, but, although the melody is unique and distinctively beautiful on its own, the harmony makes it additionally intriguing. Listen to how bassist Trey Henry weaves an irresistable harmonic web in this duet.

  12. MISTY RAINBOW
    Among the saxophonists whom I admire is the great Johnny Hodges. This tune, penned by humorist/pianist/author Steve Allen, is a perfect vehicle for a Hodges treatment.

  13. THE MASQUERADE IS OVER
    Not all ballads need to be slow, and the rhythm section enjoys down-home swinging in two tempos. Notice how they lock in with every switch. On the bridge Reggie matches my back-phrasing and establishes an ensemble feel.

  14. WHAT’LL I DO
    With a whimsical, carefree and charming quality about it, this is one from my childhood. We do it as a duet for Vinny Golia and myself with the rhythm section.

  15. EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE
    With a more contemporary than traditional ballad approach, this song has also been one of my favorites for years, with the lyrics providing great depth.

  16. JUST ONE MORE CHANCE
    This tune was popular during my high school years when we used to slow-dance to it. I’d forgotten about the song until pianist Reggie Thomas played me a recording by St. Louis saxophonist Willie Aikens.

  17. YOUNG AT HEART
    One of my favorite melodies with its wide expressive intervals. This one is unaccompanied alto.