Eddie Higgins invites you to explore the vibrant jazz scene of Chicago with his 1995 album, "In Chicago." This captivating collection of twelve tracks showcases Higgins' mastery of the piano and his deep appreciation for the jazz tradition. Spanning a little over an hour and seventeen minutes, the album is a testament to Higgins' versatility and musical prowess.
The album opens with the title track, "My Time of Day," setting the tone for a journey through a mix of original compositions and well-loved standards. Higgins' interpretations of classics like "Nightingale," "In a Mist," and "How Long Has This Been Going On?" are fresh and engaging, while his medleys of "West Side Story" and "Duke Ellington" demonstrate his ability to weave together different musical threads into a cohesive whole.
Higgins also pays homage to other musical traditions with his renditions of "Greensleeves" and "Porgy and Bess Medley," showcasing his ability to infuse these timeless melodies with a distinctly jazz sensibility. The album concludes with "Valsa De Porto Das Caixas," a beautiful waltz that leaves the listener with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to hear more.
"In Chicago" is a celebration of jazz in all its forms, from the swinging rhythms of "Dream Dancing" to the delicate beauty of "Air for G String." Eddie Higgins' playing is impeccable throughout, and his arrangements are both inventive and respectful of the original compositions. Whether you're a longtime fan of Higgins or a newcomer to his music, "In Chicago" is sure to delight and inspire.