The Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet - Simpler Times -- LP 45 giri 180 gr. - Yarlung Records - SEALED

Executive producer: Lucile Grieder

Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet rehearsed and performed some of these tunes before our concert and recording but many are the first time through; the quartet discussed the tunes and who would take what solo in which order but without rehearsal. I wanted the intensity of raw improvisation. This is possible when superb musicians tackle new material together, listening carefully to each other and playing as a single organism. Right before we recorded For Sebastian, for example, I played the opening of Variation 25 from Bach's Goldberg Variations on the piano. Misha led the quartet's improvisation from there. Music cannot get fresher than this.
- Bob Attiyeh, producer

Kudos to Sophisticated Lady for some of the most intelligent and soulful playing I've heard in a long while. Mr. Wicks is clearly the Stephane Grappelli of the bass. Mr. Boyle's atomic clock accuracy was outshone only by his remarkable sensitivity and nuanced 'drumist' vocabulary. Mr. Kirkpatrick's winsome lines... took us beyond the trumpet and through the gamut of melody-instrument domains. And Mr. Bigos' hands fell lacelike over his ivories with the finesse... of traditional Portuguese tatting amid a rainbow of colored threads.

Did I mention that each of the tracks was also cut in one take apiece? That's right, one take. Knowing this is a strong testament to the talent, passion, and technical prowess of this amazing ensemble, even before one embarks on the satisfying journey delivered by the music itself.