Jimmy Raney - But Beautiful (1990) FLAC

Tracks

01. Long Ago and Far Away
02. But Beautiful
03. Indian Summer
04. Someone to Watch over Me
05. I Get a Kick Out of You
06. Elegy for Ray Parker
07. He Loves and She Loves
08. The Way You Look Tonight
09. Long Ago and Far Away (take 2)
10. Blues Cycle

Personnel

Jimmy Raney - guitar
George Mraz - bass
Lewis Nash - drums

Guitarist Jimmy Raney's final recording as a leader is a mellow affair, covering a number of favorite ballads. Joined by bassist George Mraz and drummer Lewis Nash (who frequently plays brushes), both of whom were members of Tommy Flanagan's trio at the time, Raney's interpretations are lyrical and intricate, developing long lines and inspiring great interplay among the musicians. Obvious highlights include "Someone to Watch over Me" (which begins with a dazzling unaccompanied introduction) and the brisk rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight." The guitarist's composition "Elegy for Ray Parker," a mellow ballad, serves as a memorial to a painter friend, while "Blues Cycle" was evidently conceived with Mraz during the date and serves as a perfect close to Jimmy Raney's distinguished career.

Ken Dryden