JIM HALL - Jim Hall Live! (1975-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This fine club date features guitarist Jim Hall in Toronto with two of the top Canadian jazzmen, bassist Don Thompson and drummer Terry Clarke. The interplay between the three players is sometimes wondrous, and although the five selections are all familiar standards (such as "'Round Midnight," "Scrapple from the Apple," and "The Way You Look Tonight"), Hall makes the music sound fresh and full of subtleties. by Scott Yanow 

Tracklist:

1 Angel Eyes 11:10

Earl Brent / Matt Dennis

2 'Round Midnight 8:02

Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams

3 Scrapple from the Apple 7:37

Charlie Parker

4 The Way You Look Tonight 6:14

Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern

5 I Hear a Rhapsody 8:40
Jack Baker / George Fragos / Dick Gasparre
Credits:
Bass – Don Thompson
Drums – Terry Clarke
Guitar – Jim Hall

THE JIM HALL QUARTET - All Across the City (1989-2003) SACD / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Jim Hall's successful blend of contemporary and mainstream jazz should appeal to both camps on this well-crafted CD. Hall displays the subtle quiet lyricism that makes his guitar sound instantly identifiable. Gil Goldstein is a perfect choice on keyboards, because he uses synthesizer only to color rather than overpower a song, while avoiding schmaltz. Both "Beja-Flor" and the title track benefit from his contributions. Though his piano is frequently in the background, it matches Hall's hushed, effective guitar lines. Bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Terry Clarke frequently lay out during the introductions and then enter to add either gentle shadings or full steam, if needed. One of Jim Hall's best CDs. by Ken Dryden

Tracklist:

1 Beija-Flor 6:32

Nelson Cavaquinho / Noel Silva

2 Bemsha Swing 5:13

Denzil Best / Thelonious Monk

3 Prelude to a Kiss 4:51

Duke Ellington / Irving Gordon / Irving Mills

4 Young One (For Debra) 4:27

Jim Hall

5 R.E.M. State 5:34

Gil Goldstein

6 Jane 4:59

Jim Hall

7 All Across the City 5:32

Jim Hall

8 Drop Shot 5:33

Jim Hall

9 How Deep Is the Ocean? 3:29

Irving Berlin

10 Something Tells Me 5:00

Jane Hall

11 Big Blues 6:25
Jim Hall
Credits:
Bass – Steve La Spina
Drums – Terry Clarke
Guitar – Jim Hall
Keyboards – Gil Goldstein