Jacky Terrasson's "Smile"

[Pharaohrock]

Has anyone heard this yet? It's with his new trio with Sean Smith and Eric Harland. I looked at it and based on the program (nearly all standards) and the fact that many of the cuts fall under 5 minutes, I wasn't very encouraged to buy it. Especially keeping in mind that he's playing "My Funny Valentine" and "Autumn Leaves" for only like what- the tenth time on record already??
By the surface of things, it looks to be a perfectly redundant record. But I'd like to hear someone's take on it who's actually listened to it....

[jazzypaul]

I've heard it. The tunes ARE short. But all that means is that they don't take long to get where they are going. There are some very interesting moments on the record. Parisian Thoroughfare is great. My Funny Valentine turns into a march at some point, and Smile sounds absolutely excellent. Strange to hear me say this, but about the only weak moment on the album is the Stevie Wonder tune. It's not as awesome as Reach, which is a monster, but it's 14 times better than the last two records, so take it as you will.

[Pharaohrock]

I liked Reach a lot. It sounds like he's not giving much of a straight reading to anything here either. I've heard far too many plain-jane or flatly maudlin renditions of Autumn Leaves and My Funny....maybe I should check this out.

[Dr. J.]

Originally posted by Pharaohrock
I liked Reach a lot. It sounds like he's not giving much of a straight reading to anything here either. I've heard far too many plain-jane or flatly maudlin renditions of Autumn Leaves and My Funny....maybe I should check this out.

I second the motion. No worry about anything plain-jane or maudlin on a Terrasson disc. (For the record, the trio burns up My Funny Valentine*, and Autumn Leaves is an intriguing solo trip). The Stevie tune is probably a bit deranged for his fans, but the title track is worth the price of admission. So is "The Dolphin," with a powerful bass solo by Sean Smith, who's truly coming into his own these days.


*Q: How many vocalists does it take to sing My Funny Valentine?
A: Apparently, all of them.

[Pharaohrock]

l listened to the joint in Borders the other day.....I liked everythinge except Mo Better Blues, which I thought sounded rather cloying, too folksy for my tastes.....and I dig the tune. That's actually a fun record (soundtrack.)

[Dr. J.]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pharaohrock
[B]l listened to the joint in Borders the other day.....I liked everythinge except Mo Better Blues, which I thought sounded rather cloying, too folksy for my tastes.....and I dig the tune.

That's my least favorite track, too.

I hope to see him perform next week. Maybe he'll do it mo' better live. ?!