Johnny Hartman I Love Everybody CD - Import

It isn't often that a jazz singer of Johnny Hartman's caliber is placed beside an arranger as gifted as Oliver Nelson. In addition to the Los Angeles September 28, 1966 live studio date with Nelson, this release features the incomparable Hartman accompanied by orchestras directed by Jack Pleis (1966) and by Rudy Traylor (1958). This release marks the first time that Hartman's 1966 session with Jack Pleis is available on CD. Gambi. 2005.

Jazz singer Johnny Hartman and arranger Oliver Nelson collaboration on this fine record of 23 songs.
Personnel: Johnny Hartman (vocals); Howard Roberts (guitar); Plas Johnson (tenor saxophone); Conte Candoli, Al Porcino, Ollie Mitchell (trumpet); Mike Barone, Billy Byers (trombone); Mike Melvoin (piano); Shelly Manne (drums); James Lockett (percussion).
Liner Note Author: Sheldon Cohen.
Arrangers: Jack Pleis; Oliver Nelson.
The first side of I Love Everybody finds crooner Johnny Hartman in an orchestral pop setting, with lush, sweeping strings arranged by Jack Pleis. Those familiar with the intimate small-group albums Hartman recorded for Impulse might find the backing just a bit saccharine, but fortunately the orchestra never overwhelms Hartman's incredible voice. The song selection on this side is strong, too, with "I Cover the Waterfront" and "If I Had You" being the standouts. The superior second side features a big band of Hollywood studio musicians arranged by the inventive Oliver Nelson. If the first side is a showcase for Hartman's much-lauded ballad technique, the second side finds him in a party mood. There's an appreciative live studio audience on hand to hear Hartman and band tackle up-tempo dance numbers ("Today I Love Everybody"), blues ("T'Ain't No Need"), and a rousing medley of "Old Black Magic" and the calypso "Matilda," with a few phrases of the Yiddish folk tune "Greena Couzina" thrown in for good measure. The two sides of I Love Everybody seem like separate mini-albums, but both are strong and offer a good showcase for Hartman's impressive vocal technique. ~ Mark Richardson
The first side of I Love Everybody finds crooner Johnny Hartman in an orchestral pop setting, with lush, sweeping strings arranged by Jack Pleis. Those familiar with the intimate small-group albums Hartman recorded for Impulse might find the backing just a bit saccharine, but fortunately the orchestra never overwhelms Hartman's incredible voice. The song selection on this side is strong, too, with "I Cover the Waterfront" and "If I Had You" being the standouts. The superior second side features a big band of Hollywood studio musicians arranged by the inventive Oliver Nelson. If the first side is a showcase for Hartman's much-lauded ballad technique, the second side finds him in a party mood. There's an appreciative live studio audience on hand to hear Hartman and band tackle up-tempo dance numbers ("Today I Love Everybody"), blues ("T'Ain't No Need"), and a rousing medley of "Old Black Magic" and the calypso "Matilda," with a few phrases of the Yiddish folk tune "Greena Couzina" thrown in for good measure. The two sides of I Love Everybody seem like separate mini-albums, but both are strong and offer a good showcase for Hartman's impressive vocal technique. [The 2005 Gambit expanded edition features 12 bonus tracks.] ~ Mark Richardson