The music of Leonard Bernstein has always been an inspiration for jazz artists, but the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra under the baton of alto saxist Charlie Young has brilliantly explored the lesser known compositions of the famous and legendary composer. Life goes beyond West Side Story here, as rich interpretations of film and stage are rendered here.
Wisely, there is a collection of tunes from the famed early Sinatra vehicle On The Town, with some sweet hot jazz played by clarinetist Scott Silbert on “Times Square Ballet” and some California cool on the noir alley of “Great Lover”. You might be looking for Lee J. Cobb on a dark and mysterios “On the Waterfront” suite with tenor saxist Luis Hernandez” and a dash of elegance is delivered by Tony Nalker on piano for the “Postlude” from A Quiet Place”. Keep cool, boy!