Aria
Before God summoned saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. to Heaven in December 1999, the saxophonist recordedAria, a magnificent recording that combines the rich operatic tradition of solo vocal performances with instrumental accompaniment and the improvisational vitality and phrasing of jazz. Known as the progenitor of today's contemporary and smooth genres, Washington reveals the full flower of his underrated musicianship on this beautiful and bittersweet CD. He's joined by conductor Robert Freedman--who worked onWynton Marsalis'sHot House FlowersandThe Midnight Blues, and here leads the marvelous Orchestra St. Lukes--and by bassistRon Carterand the sensitive pianistBilly Childs. They beautifully buoy Washington's impassioned interpretations of the greatest aria "hits," fromGeorge Gershwin'sPorgy and BesstoBizet'sLes Pecheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishes), and his trademarked velvet vibrato is heard throughout the saxophone family. His timeless tenor sax sings sweetly onMassenet's "Porquoi Me Reveiller (Why Do You Wake Me?)" andPuccini's "Donna Non Vidi Mai (Never Seen a Woman Like That)." "O Soave Fanciulla (Oh Sweet Lady)," another Puccini gem, is graced by Washington's full-bodied alto tones. His angelic soprano soars on the after-hours version ofGiordano's "Amor Ti Vieta (Love Forbids)," which contrasts his broad and rarely heard baritone lines on the Indian impressions ofDelibes's "Flower Duet." The famous aria from Puccini'sTosca, "Vissi D' Arte (I Lived for Art)," showcases Washington at his lyrical best, and its title serves as a fitting epitaph for this incredible and sorely missed musician.--Eugene Holley Jr.