Garden of the Blues (1984)

About this title: Shirley Horn covers several works by composer Curtis Lewis (who passed away prematurely at the age of 51 in 1969) in this 1984 trio concert at Florida Memorial College. Horn, who was introduced to Lewis by her manager, John Levy, during her debut recording session in 1960, recorded several of his works over her career, including "All Night Long," but the bittersweet nature of many of the songs heard in this performance is carried off beautifully by the singing pianist, particularly "He's Gone Again." The last four tracks comprising Lewis' "The Garden of the Blues Suite" are part narrative and ... read more

Tracks:

1. Introduction [Lewis]
2. He's Gone Again [Lewis]
3. Old Country [Lewis]
4. Roaming Lover [Lewis]
5. The Garden of the Blues Suite: Blue City [Lewis]
6. The Garden of the Blues Suite: What Would a Woman Do? [Lewis]
7. The Garden of the Blues Suite: He Never Mentioned Love [Lewis]
8. The Garden of the Blues Suite: The Great City [Lewis]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.