Search - Johnny Hartman :: I Just Dropped By to Say Hello

I Just Dropped By to Say Hello
Johnny Hartman
I Just Dropped By to Say Hello
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

Johnny Hartman may have been the greatest of the jazz balladeers, his unmistakably rich voice and subtle sense of pitch and diction developing the art of Billy Eckstine and Arthur Prysock. Most know his work only in the su...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Johnny Hartman
Title: I Just Dropped By to Say Hello
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Grp Records
Release Date: 11/20/1995
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: Traditional Jazz & Ragtime, Vocal Jazz, Oldies, Vocal Pop, Classic Vocalists, Cabaret, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 011105017626

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Johnny Hartman may have been the greatest of the jazz balladeers, his unmistakably rich voice and subtle sense of pitch and diction developing the art of Billy Eckstine and Arthur Prysock. Most know his work only in the superb 1963 collaboration with John Coltrane, but this CD from the same year is as fine a showcase for Hartman's abilities, both on medium swing tunes and the romantic standards that were his forte. The accompaniment is at the highest level, with Hank Jones on piano and brother Elvin on drums, and appearances by the two subtlest guitarists of the era, Jim Hall and Kenny Burrell, embellishing Hartman's cashmerelike voice. The burred sound of Illinois Jacquet's tenor, reminiscent of Ben Webster on ballads, is a fine, grainy complement to Hartman's smooth baritone. --Stuart Broomer

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CD Reviews

Romantic beyond words...
JoeyD | los gatos, ca | 06/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This man had some kind of voice! If you are a fan of Frank, Nat, Mel, Tony, etc... then add this guy to that short list of greats. How this man never became as famous as the foursome mentioned above I will never know. All I do know is this - this guy had one of the most beautiful, rich, romantic voices I have ever heard. It is very difficult, if not nearly impossible to express in words how wonderful of a singer this man was. Just listen to him and see for yourself. If you loved him on the Coltrane album (another 5-star treasure) then you will love this one almost just as much (that recording still is my favorite of all-time). Johnny may not have been that popular with the masses, but his work is very highly respected and adored by everyone in the jazz world - critics, musicians, and fans alike.



He may not have Coltrane, Tyner, and Garrison backing him up on this one, however the cats he does have aren't too shabby - Illinois Jacquet (tenor sax), Milt Hinton (bass), Elvin Jones (once again on the drums), Jimmy Hall and Kenny Burrell (on guitars). Not a bad line-up to say the least! And believe me folks, Johnny and the gang all sound flawless.



This is one of those recordings that you want to dim the lights down real low, pour yourself a martini or glass of wine, sit back and reeeeeeeelax. Or better yet, grab your gal (or guy) and let the music help take the two of you to the promised land. As soon as the first song (Charade) comes on, you will see what I'm talking about. I can't get enough of this one! Also, his version of "In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning" is one of the greatest I have ever heard and may even trump Old Blue Eyes himself (which is almost sacrilege for an Italian-American like myself to say!). However, you will just have to see for yourself.



ENJOY!"
An extraordinary singer
David Bonesteel | Fresno, CA United States | 04/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first became aware of vocalist Johnny Hartman through his work with John Coltrane. Since then, I have purchased two of his CDs, both of which are exemplary. Hartman possesses a smooth, rich, expressive baritone. In the case of so many singers, it sounds a bit too grand to refer to their voice as their "instrument." In Hartman's case, it is simply a fact. Every track on this disc is a gem. Buy it."
Smooth as it gets
dughead | tennessee | 12/14/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a big fan of most jazz vocalists but I LOVE Johnny Hartman! I bought this record a few days ago and I'm totally digging it. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because I've been spoiled over the last few years by the album he did with Coltrane. Don't get me wrong, Illinois Jacquet lays down some great tones on this album, but the Hartman/Coltrane album has a lot more horn woven through the entire record, and it's quite hypnotizing. HOWEVER, this album has something the Coltrane album doesn't have- GREAT guitar work! Kenny Burrell is a genius, and Jim Hall is very talented as well.



A year or so back I fell in love with the Sinatra record In the Wee Small Hours but I've gotta admit, the Johnny Hartman version of "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" eclipses Frank's version! If you're searching for something to spin on a romantic evening with that special someone, something smoother than glass, give Johnny Hartman a spin. You WON't be disappointed!"