Artist: Don Shirley Album: Plays Love Songs / Don Shirley Trio

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Plays Love Songs / Don Shirley Trio

Don Shirley is a name that stands out in the world of music, especially classical and jazz. He was a pianist, composer, and arranger of great renown, who had a career spanning over four decades. The album: Plays Love Songs / Don Shirley Trio is a collection of some of his best works featuring him and his trio. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Don Shirley by reviewing his album, discussing the music genre, the best songs of the album, and the most innovative parts. We will also provide a critic to the album to highlight its strengths and weaknesses.

The album: Plays Love Songs / Don Shirley Trio is a classic example of the music genre known as jazz. This genre is characterized by its improvisational nature and rhythmic complexity. It is rooted in African-American musical traditions and has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular genres in the world. Don Shirley's music style was a mix of classical and jazz, which he blended effortlessly in the album. The result was a smooth and seamless fusion of two distinct genres.

The album features some of Don Shirley's best works, such as Blue Skies, My Funny Valentine, and Lullaby of Birdland. These songs showcase his skill as a pianist and also his ability to improvise on the spot. Each song on the album has a distinct sound that adds to the overall theme of the collection - love songs. The songs are interlaced with virtuosic performances, and the trio is in perfect harmony, making the album a melodious and enjoyable experience.

The album's most innovative parts are the arrangements. Don Shirley's ability to arrange jazz standards and classical pieces was second to none. He had the gift to take a familiar melody, add his personal touch and make it sound like something entirely original. This is evident in songs like By Myself' and I Can't Get Started. Don Shirley's innovative arrangements were daring and groundbreaking, making him a well-respected figure in the music industry.

A critic to the album is that it is mostly instrumental, and thus, the overall collection lacks a strong narrative. The songs, although skillfully played, can sound repetitive, and there are no vocals to provide an emotional connection to the listener. However, this is a minor critique of the album as the instrumental performances make up for the lack of vocalization. The album is a beautiful collection of jazz and classical pieces played with precision, virtuosity, and artistic expression.

In conclusion, Plays Love Songs / Don Shirley Trio is a classic example of the jazz fusion genre, featuring some of Don Shirley's best works. The combination of classical and jazz pieces blended together seamlessly makes for a melodious experience. The album's arrangements show Don Shirley's skill as a pianist, composer, and arranger. It is an excellent album for instrumental music lovers and a must-have for Don Shirley's fans. While the album lacks a strong narrative, it is an excellent addition to any jazz or classical music lover's collection.