Eddie Higgins Quintet - A Handful Of Stars (2009) [2014 SACD]

Arguably the biggest star in the Venus Records roster, pianist Eddie Higgins has released numerous trio recordings from the label. He also has an on-going collaboration with veteran tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, beginning with the 2001 quartet album Smoke Gets In Your Eyes and continuing with My Foolish Heart and My Funny Valentine.
Wonderful clarinetist and tenorist Ken Peplowski joined this union to make it a quintet on It's Magic, which won the Swing Journal 2007 Best Compilation Award. Now, the golden quintet returns with their latest, A Handful of Stars. The three giants, assisted ably by Jay Leonhart and Joe Ascione, create beautiful and romantic music in a relaxed mood.
They are not breaking any new ground here, but their masterful tastes, gentle swing and warm interactions are as lovely and comfortable as a fireplace in the middle of winter.

Tracks:

1. In Love In Vain 《 J. Kern 》
2. You Leave Me Breathless 《 R. Freed , F. Hollander 》
3. A Handful Of Stars 《 F. Signorelli 》
4. Come Rain Or Come Shine 《 H. Arlen 》
5. April In Torino 《 E. Higgins 》
6. Night Has A Thousand Eyes 《 J. Brainin 》
7. Flamingo 《 T. Grouya 》
8. Breezin’ Along With The Breeze 《 H.Gillespie, S.Simons, R.Whiting 》
9. A Portrait Of Jenny 《 I. Burgie, J. M. Robinson 》
10. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise 《 S. Romberg 》
11. All Too Soon 《 D. Ellington 》

Personnel:

Eddie Higgins - piano
Scott Hamilton - tenor sax
Ken Peplowski - tenor sax & clarinet
Jay Leonhart - bass
Joe Ascione - drums