It has often been said that “playing a ballad reveals a jazz musician’s actual skill.” The slow tempo leaves no room for deception, and a ballad performance reveals the player’s inner self. John Coltrane’s “Ballads,” which we can say is already a classic, and Michael Brecker’s “NEARNESS OF YOU THE BALLAD BOOK,” which I introduced in #37, are masterpieces with timeless value among others. This month, from the countless other great ballad albums, I have chosen three that I particularly love.

#292 Shepp’s Emotionally Appealing Ballad Works

TRUE BALLADS / ARCHIE SHEPP QUARTET
(Venus Records SACD ⇒ VHGD-7, LP ⇒ VHJD-269)

This album is Archie Shepp’s 1996 recording, which draws listeners in with the thick saxophone tones they hear right from the beginning. Archie Shepp was a true successor to John Coltrane’s legacy while also demonstrating his unique personality. “True Ballads” was an album in which Shepp reapproached ballad performance when he was approaching the age of 60.

Shepp’s performance reflects his earlier aggressive style while tapping into listeners’ emotions with occasional raw tones. The improvisation, accompanied by “screams” that seem to resonate with his body, is both melodic and powerful yet unrestrained. His phrases sometimes reveal his genuine emotions. In addition to ＜Violets for Your Furs＞, also known for Coltrane’s famous performance, Shepp’s vast repertoire includes a European tango masterpiece ＜La Rosita＞ and a hidden classic ＜Everything Must Change＞ written by Benard Ighner. Shepp’s playing is beautifully supported by the rhythm section of veterans, including pianist John Hicks. The recording is also excellent, perfectly capturing Shepp’s breathing and the charm of his gritty tenor tone. This album is also available on CD, but it would be more enjoyable on SACD or analog LP, which provide even greater realism.

#293 Melancholic Cuban Ballads Album

Nocturne / Charlie Haden
(Verve ⇒ Universal Music UCCU-46041)

“Nocturne,” which bassist Charlie Haden recorded in 2000 with pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and others, is not just an album of jazz ballads. They select traditional melodies from Cuba and Mexico, or in simple terms, charming Latin numbers, and perform them in a highly romantic style. Their performances include slow rumba rhythms, conveying the intense passion and melancholy of Latin music pleasantly.

Haden’s bass tone is rich and deep, creating an immersive experience. As if accompanying the bass, the sounds of Rubalcaba’s piano, as well as the tenor saxophone and the violin that are added depending on the number, enhance the enchanting allure of each piece. Federico Britos Ruiz plays the violin with captivating skill in ＜At the Edge of the World＞. Their performances are all gentle and profound, with deep emotion. Pat Metheny's guitar on ＜Night of Wandering,＞ a bolero masterpiece written by Maria Tereza Lara, is incredibly romantic. Meanwhile, David Sanchez on tenor saxophone plays the melancholic melody of ＜Three Words＞ in a slow manner. And Haden’s original ＜Moonlight＞ features Joe Lovano on tenor sax. The endlessly sinking ＜Nightfall＞ is another work by Haden, and Gonzalo’s piano playing, in which he restrained his overflowing emotions, remains in our hearts. The album has been re-released multiple times on CD. However, the most recent UHQCD version from Universal Music is the best, as it fully captures the sound quality, balance, and vividness of their performance.