Eddie Higgins With Strings - Moonlight Becomes You (2003) 320 kbps

Tracklist

01. What Is There To Say (4:21)
02. Moonlight Becomes You (4:46)
03. The Folks Who Live On The Hill (7:38)
04. If I Should Lose You (4:17)
05. How Deep Is The Ocean (4:19)
06. Have You Met Miss Jones? (4:00)
07. I'll Be Around (6:25)
08. The Nearness Of You (4:56)
09. Be Careful, It's My Heart (5:10)
10. When April Comes (4:01)

Eddie Higgins fronts a quintet, with string arrangements by Dick Lieb backing him on most tracks, as he covers ten standards. The effect of this lineup invites comparisons to the George Shearing Quintet of old. Vibraphonist Joe Locke, guitarist Joe Cohn, bassist Jay Leonhart, and drummer Joe Ascione are first-rate musicians who primarily stick to supporting roles, though Cohn's tasty solo in "The Folks Who Live on the Hill" and Leonhart's call and response with the leader and Locke's dancing vibes add some variety in a brisk treatment of "If I Should Lose You." The snappy arrangement of "Have You Met Miss Jones?" showcases Higgins and Locke. The final track, "When April Comes," is an original ballad by the leader in a soft bossa nova setting. The overall effect of this recommended CD makes it perfect for late-evening listening with someone special.~Ken Dryden