Dave Grusin - A Jazz Version of the Broadway Hit Subways Are for Sleeping (Remastered) (2023) [Hi-Res]

In the fall of 1961, Dave Grusin, a 27-year-old talented pianist, accompanist, and arranger for singer Andy Williams, was signed by Columbia Records. He promptly made his recording debut as a leader with a trio album, playing a jazz rendition of Jule Styne’s Broadway hit “Subways Are for Sleeping,” released on Columbia’s subsidiary label, Epic.

With a touch reminiscent of Andre Previn and accompanied by bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Don Lamond, he skillfully navigates through nine of Styne’s melodies, providing his own interpretations in this brisk and effective jazz treatment of the score from the Broadway show.

Impressed with Grusin’s considerable musical intelligence coupled with an ability to swing, Quincy Jones, one of the greatest minds in pop and jazz music, said: ‘Dave’s great —he has a comprehensive musical mind and a fabulous feel that lets him get funky when it’s needed. Dave shows you that you can play with musical integrity without it sounding like vanilla.’

This Dave Grusin album was the first in a long and successful career as amusician and producer. Above all, he has left an indelible mark as an accomplished film and television composer.

—Jordi Pujol