First Song (2000)

About this title: Sara Caswell, a young, Indiana-based violinist, makes a strong debut with First Song. Joining her are bassist Jack Helsley, drummer Steve Davis, and the remarkable pianist Lynne Arriale, with sister Rachel Caswell guesting on vocals. Beginning with an offhanded, almost free-form take of "Bemsha Swing," Caswell and her ensemble go on to offer varied readings of "Isfahan," "Speak Low," "When Sunny Gets Blue" (with "Giant Steps" changes in the bridge), and Jobim's "Useless Landscapes" (with vocal). Caswell penned "Anna's Song," a lilting waltz, and "The Fury," a rousing 12/8 finale. The two most ... read more

Tracks:

1. Bemsha Swing [Best/Monk]
2. Isfahan [Ellington/Strayhorn]
3. Charms of the Night Sky [D.Douglas]
4. Speak Low [Nash/Weill]
5. First Song [Haden]
6. Anna's Song [S.Caswell]
7. Useless Landscapes [Gilbert/Jobim]
8. When Ssunny Gets Blue [Fisher/Segal]
9. The Fury [Caswell]

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