"Madly Loving You" is a captivating jazz album that showcases the brilliance of the late, great Bob Brookmeyer, a legendary valve trombonist and composer. Released on May 24, 2021, under the Baseline Jazz label, this cool jazz masterpiece is a celebration of Brookmeyer's 70th birthday, featuring newly written compositions and arrangements dedicated to his legacy. The album is a collaborative effort with the Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra, a renowned ensemble based in Berlin, known for their exceptional performances and top-notch musicianship.
The album spans a generous 72 minutes, offering nine tracks that blend Brookmeyer's distinctive sound with the orchestra's rich, dynamic arrangements. Highlights include Partyka's imaginative reworking of Duke Ellington's "Love You Madly," now titled "Madly Loving You," and drummer John Hollenbeck's medley of "Processional" and "Desiderata," which features Brookmeyer's narration of the famous Max Ehrmann poem. The orchestra, comprising veterans from Cologne’s Sunday Night Orchestra and other esteemed European big bands, delivers a performance that pays homage to the 1958 Miles Davis–Gil Evans collaboration on Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
"Madly Loving You" is a testament to Brookmeyer's enduring influence and the timeless appeal of cool jazz. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Brookmeyer's work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the best of jazz composition and performance.
Vinylscout