Largely and unfairly forgotten these days, Nino Tempo has had a double life in the music industry. Back in the 60s, he had a pop hit version of “Deep Purple” which featured his warm voice in a duet with April Stevens. He then spent years in the studio as part of the famous Wrecking Crew as a Stan Getz-inspired tenor sax player. This album features him with his warm sax, and it’s a glorious delight.
These sessions are subtitled “The Best…On Atlantic” and feature Tempo in various settings with artists including Ron Carter/b and Barry Miles/p. There is even some alluring harp on a sensuous “Amazon River,” with his vibrato glistening on “This Masquerade.” Some exotic sambas will make you think of Getz/Gilberto on pieces such as “Suzanne (You Can)” and “Brazil” while his read of “Stella by Starlight” will fool anyone on a Blindfold Test.
While there are a couple pop ditties such as the upbeat “Call It Love” and “Anyone Who Had A Heart,” even with a casual listen you can tell this guy has a jazzer’s heart. Check it out for some surprises!