Chords in Blue

Carol Robbins

Jazzcats -- JCTS-107

A collection of 12 jazz standards and originals played beautifully and lyrically on solo harp or harp trio consisting of harp, bass, and drums.

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.4 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches; 3.36 ounces
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ CD Baby
Original Release Date ‏ : ‎ 2000
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 20, 2012
Label ‏ : ‎ CD Baby
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009EC9LVY
Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

Tunes:

(30-second sample tracks)

Performers:

Carol Robbins - harp
David Stone - bass
Gordon Peeke - drums

Reviews:

There have been relatively few jazz harpists, but Carol Robbins studied with one of the best, Dorothy Ashby, and she is a fine player as well. This CD features Robbins primarily as an unaccompanied soloist, with tantalizing versions of familiar standards such as “Who Can I Turn To?,” “Easy to Love,” “Isn’t It Romantic,” and “A Time for Love,” all of which show a considerable gift for lyricism without degrading into Muzaky background music. Her original work “Blues for Dorothy,” which is dedicated to her late teacher, is a tasty yet understated duet with bassist Dave Stone. Several other tracks add drummer Gordon Peeke as well, including her gently swinging “Notes to Bill,” a tribute to pianist Bill Evans which does an excellent job at capturing the spirit of his playing without resorting to imitation. This well crafted release will reward listeners who take the trouble to seek it.

~ Ken Dryden, –All Music Guide

The arrangements of a few standards and some original tunes are fresh and clean, and Robbins herself displays her big-time jazz chops.Her playing is unforced and natural, and she voices chords with a nice flair for logical progression. And, let it be said, Robbins can swing. Long a fixture in the Los Angeles jazz and pops scene, Robbins playing deserves to be heard. Her first-rate rhythm section lends additional credence to what really should be a rule of thumb for all harpists out there: don t make a jazz record if you really don t know what you re doing. No question here: Robbins knows what she s doing, and she s doing it as well as anybody.

–Darin Kelly, The Harp Column

"Blues for Dorothy," "Talmente Chiaro," "Notes to Bill" and "Disegno" written by Carol Robbins (Carol Robbins Music, ASCAP).
"Who Can I Turn To?" written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
"Easy to Love" written by Cole Porter.
"Where Is Love?" written by Lionel Bart.

"Gentle Rain" written by Luis Bonfa.
"Isn't It Romantic?" written by Richard Rodgers.
"A Time for Love" written by Johnny Mandel.
"But Not for Me" written by George Gershwin.
"Beautiful Love" written by Victor Young.

Produced by Buddy Halligan.
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Bell Sound Studios in Hollywood, CA, by Buddy Halligan.
Photography by Buddy Halligan