On “Passion Flower: Zoot Sims Plays Duke Ellington”, Benny Carter provided the arrangements for the 16-piece big band accompanying the wonderful tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims in his interpretations of Duke Ellington songs. Highlights of the album include “In A Mellow Tone,” “I Got It Bad,” “Passion Flower” and “Bojangles,” which showcase Sims at his best. Of the many albums Sims recorded for Pablo, the Ellington project was particularly close to his heart. The Ellington band of 1940 and 1941 had a formative influence on the young, highly talented musician who was just beginning his career. The solos of the great tenor saxophonist Ben Webster made a deep impression on Sims. Although his tone was more similar to that of Lester Young, Webster's concept was always an important part of Sims' style, and towards the end of his life, Zoot's sound took on more and more of Webster's power and darkness. Fittingly, he and Webster's favorite pianist, Jimmy Rowles, play “Bojangles” in a rare interpretation.
As part of the “Pablo Reissue Series,” Analogue Productions now honors this jazz gem with a sonically outstanding reissue, lovingly mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. The LP, pressed on 180-gram vinyl by industry leader Quality Record Pressings (QRP) and cut at 33 RPM, comes in an tip-on pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing.
Title
Side A
1. It Don't Mean A Thing
2. In A Mellow Tone
3. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
4. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
5. Black Butterfly
Side B
1. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
2. Your Love Has Faded
3. Bojangles
4. Passion Flower
