There are two thigs that will always pique my interest enough to buy an album, even if I don’t know the artists. Those are Bossa Nova and Hammond Organ. This 1965 Impulse albums combines them into a very tasty package titled Latin Shadows. Both Shirley Scott and Gary McFarland are well known to me but combining their talents was a brilliant concept! The album consists of 2 different sets, one as a sextet and the other with a string background, both of which are very well done. The selection of tunes is also well-rounded with both standards and current compositions for 1965. My personal favorites are This Love of Mine and Dreamsville, both good old standards, but I can say almost all the tracks are easy on the ears. Other 1965 hits include Downtown, Who Can I Turn To, and Feeling Good. McFarland masters the vibraphone and charts. Scott plays her usual sensuous Hammond B-3 Organ with all the gentle finesse one would expect. It’s a shame that McFarland passed so young in 1971 at just 38 years old. I think he would have made serious musical history with more Impulse records like this one. The recording is well done with perfect balance, great stereo separation and no notable difference in the 2 sessions, which is rare. If you can find a copy of this album, I highly recommend adding it to your Jazz, Latin and/or Impulse collection. It has been reissued on Impulse CDs but not vinyl to date.
Recording 10/10-No better sound could be had in 1965, still
holds up well today.
Performance 9/10- McFarland and Scott gel well and overall a
very easy listen. I would have not included the song Hanky Panky as it does not
fit well in a bossa nova style.
Overall 9/10-Well
rounded, great sounding Impulse recording that you will mostly enjoy.
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