THE NEW YORK TRIO - Love You Madly (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The vast Duke Ellington songbook is always ripe for exploration, and the New York Trio, featuring pianist Bill Charlap, bassist Jay Leonhart, and drummer Bill Stewart, is up to the task. The gorgeous ballad "The Star Crossed Lovers" is in good hands, as Charlap gently examines the facets of this gem, accompanied by Leonhart's spacious basslines and Stewart's whispering brushes. The brisk run through "Love You Madly" is transformed into an extended workout instead of the brief versions typically played by its composer. Charlap's bluesy gospel introduction to "I'm Just a Lucky So-and-So" will turn a few heads. Even though there's nothing new about tackling "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" at a racehorse tempo, this trio's intricate workout is a bit more abstract than most recordings. Charlap's jaunty treatment of "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart" suggests its composer's stride piano roots. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     The Star Crossed Lovers 4'27
Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn
2     Jump for Joy 4'41
Duke Ellington / Sid Kuller / Paul Francis Webster
3     In a Sentimental Mood 5'52
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
4     Love You Madly 8'16
Duke Ellington
5     Sophisticated Lady 4'53
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
6     I'm Just a Lucky So-And-So 6'43
Mack David / Duke Ellington
7     Prelude to a Kiss 6'13
Duke Ellington / Irving Gordon / Irving Mills
8     It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) 3'50
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
9     C Jam Blues 4'31
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington
10     I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart 7'11
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Henry Nemo / John Redmond
11     Warm Valley 5'39
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Bass – Jay Leonhart
Drums – Bill Stewart
Piano – Bill Charlap