Herb Geller - Herb Geller & His All Stars Play Selections from Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim's Music for Gypsy (2010)

Gypsy captures Herb Geller at his most daring and challenging -- recording with an exemplary supporting unit including trumpeter Thad Jones, pianist Hank Jones, bassist Scott LaFaro, and drummer Elvin Jones, the altoist transforms Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim's familiar Broadway themes into something altogether new and different. Even when applying the most forward-thinking modern jazz sensibilities, Geller maintains the spirit and integrity of indelible Sondheim melodies like "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Small World" -- in fact, his obvious respect for the source material is vital to the session's overall success. While Barbara Long contributes a handful of powerhouse vocal turns, it's the instrumentals that truly dazzle -- the Jones brothers boast the kind of telepathic interplay that comes solely from blood, and their performances push Geller to new heights.