Artist: Charlie Haden Album: Quartet West

Year: 1987
Duration: 0:0-1

Exploring the Beauty of Quartet West by Charlie Haden: A Critical Review

Charlie Haden was an American jazz double bassist, composer, and arranger. He was born in August 1937 and passed on in July 2014. Over the years, he has released several notable works, including The Shape of Jazz to Come, Liberation Music Orchestra, and Quartet West. Haden was known for his unique style, which was always filled with sweet melodies and harmonies. In this article, we'll be taking a closer look at one of his most renowned works - Quartet West.

Quartet West is a 1986 album by Charlie Haden, and it holds several beautiful tracks that will keep you hooked till the last note. The music genre of the album is Jazz, which was a hallmark of Haden's works. The album opens with Hello My Lovely, a slow-tempo track with a beautiful melody backed by rich piano notes. This track sets the tone for the entire album, and you can relax and enjoy each track while the music flows.

Another standout track from the album is The Good Life. On this track, Haden employs his signature bass technique which adds depth to the track. Ernie Watts, the saxophonist, shows his brilliance on this track with his perfect tone and phrasing. The piano notes in this piece feel calming and warm, and they provide the perfect accompaniment for Haden's bass and Watts's sax.

The most innovative part of the album is how well the songs complement each other. Furthermore, Quartet West tells a story, and each song is a chapter in that tale. You can feel the emotions that Haden is trying to convey with this work. The tracks on this album are timeless, and they will sit well with any jazz enthusiast.

While this album holds several beautiful tracks, one of the best is Body and Soul. This track features Haden’s beautifully played arco bass solos. It is an emotional and stirring take on a jazz standard performed with remarkable emotional depth. The passion and soul with which Charlie Haden approaches the piece is sure to bring you to the verge of tears.

As for the criticism of the album, there is not much to fault. However, the downside of the album is its length, as it can become a bit too much to take in. Nonetheless, we cannot deny the beauty of the tracks on Quartet West.

In conclusion, Quartet West is an outstanding work of art by Charlie Haden that showcases his genius as a musician. The album has a beautiful flow to it, and all the tracks complement each other nicely. Haden's technique on the bass is evident throughout the album, and it truly shines. The songs on the album take the listener on a musical journey that they will not soon forget. Quartet West is a must-listen for any jazz enthusiasts, and it is highly recommended for anyone looking for beautiful, timeless music.