“Elegantly arranged for jazz trio and strings," said the New York Times, Hersch's tribute to composer Billy Strayhorn "exudes an exotic hothouse aroma.” Jazziz called Hersch's renditions of Strayhorn's songs "stunning in their understated wealth and wry, bittersweet wit, as were the originals.” The Cincinnati Inquirer added: “Like Mr. Strayhorn’s compositions, Mr. Hersch’s execution transcends jazz. This is simply beautiful music.”
Passion Flower, a tribute album to composer Billy Strayhorn which Hersch produced, arranged, and orchestrated, received universal critical praise upon its release. “Elegantly arranged for jazz trio and strings," said the New York Times, the album "exudes an exotic hothouse aroma.” Jazziz called Hersch's renditions of Strayhorn's songs "stunning in their understated wealth and wry, bittersweet wit, as were the originals.” The Cincinnati Inquirer added: “Like Mr. Strayhorn’s compositions, Mr. Hersch’s execution transcends jazz. This is simply beautiful music.”
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Produced by Fred Hersch
Co-produced by Karen Chester (2, 7, 10, 12)
Recorded, mixed, edited, and mastered by A.T. Michael MacDonald
Recorded June and August 1995 at The Hit Factory, New York City
Assistant Engineers: Andy Grassi, Greg Thompson, Carl Glanville, Glen Marchese, and Drake Ayen
Mixed at Ambient Recording Company, Stamford, Connecticut
Edited and mastered at Foothill Digital, New York City
All compositions by Billy Strayhorn
All arrangements and orchestrations by Fred Hersch except track 10, arranged by Jed Distler
Design by John Tadao
Cover photograph by Kenro Izo
Executive Producer: Robert Hurwitz
79395
MUSICIANS
Fred Hersch, piano
Drew Gress, bass
Tom Rainey, drums
String Orchestra:
Eric Stern, conductor
Laura Seaton, concertmaster
Joyce Hamman, Sandra Park, Gene Orloff, Paul Peabody, Eriko Sato, Belinda Barrett-Whitney, Mark Feldman, Hanne-Berit Hahnemann, Yury Vodovoz, Paul Woodiel, Marti Sweet, violin
Lois Martin, Ruth Siegler, Alejandra Mohave, Juliet Haffner, viola
Erik Friedlander, Richard Locker, Jesse Levy, cello
John Beal, Jacqui Danilow, bass
