Tangence (1994)

About this title: Trombonist J.J. Johnson is joined by a string orchestra arranged by Robert Farnon for most of the performances on this CD. Farnon's sweeping scores can sometimes come closer to movie music and muzak than jazz but the high quality of the songs and a few surprising departures make this CD recommended. Wynton Marsalis has three guest appearances (including a spirited unaccompanied duet with Johnson on the old Jimmy Lunceford hit "For Dancers Only"), Johnson takes his blues "Opus De Focus" as a duet with bassist Chris Laurence and the trombonist is in particularly fine form on such numbers as ... read more

Tracks:

1. People Time [Carter]
2. The Meaning of the Blues [Worth/Troup]
3. For Dancers Only [Oliver/Raye/Schoen]
4. Dinner for One, Please, James [Carr]
5. Two's Company [Farnon]
6. Lament [Johnson]
7. Opus de Focus [Johnson]
8. The Very Thought of You [Noble]
9. Amazing Grace [Newton]
10. Malagueña [Lecuona]
11. The End of a Love Affair [Redding]
12. Malaga Moon [Rosnes]

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