Charles McPherson - Siku Ya Bibi (Day Of The Lady) (1972) [2017 Mainstream Records Master Collection] CD-Rip

For the second of his three Mainstream sessions (one that has been reissued on CD), the bebop altoist Charles McPherson pays tribute to Billie Holiday; in fact, "Siku Ya Bibi" means "Day of the Lady" in Swahili. The emphasis is mostly on ballads, with "Miss Brown to You" and "Lover Come Back to Me" being exceptions. Four of the eight selections find McPherson backed by ten strings arranged by Ernie Wilkins, while the remainder of the date has the altoist joined by a rhythm section that includes pianist Barry Harris. Although not quite up to the level of his upcoming, more freewheeling Xanadu sessions, this is a fine outing. Highlights include the two aforementioned cooking pieces, "Lover Man," "Good Morning Heartache," and "I'm a Fool to Want You."

Tracks:

01 Don't Explain 04:31
02 Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be) 05:03
03 God Bless The Child 04:33
04 Miss Brown To You 04:47
05 Good Morning Heartache 04:22
06 For Heaven's Sake 05:08
07 I'm A Fool To Want You 04:48
08 Lover Come Back To Me 07:05
09 My Funny Valentine 07:42

Personnel:

Saxophone Charles McPherson
Piano Barry Harris
Guitar Earl Dunbar
Bass Sam Jones
Drums Leroy Williams
Arrangements, Conductor Ernie Wilkins
Violin Max Ellen
Violin Gene Orloff
Violin David Nadien
Violin Selwart Clarke
Violin Emanuel Green
Viola Julian Barber
Viola Alfred V. Brown
Cello Kermit Moore
Cello Alan Shulman