Description
The Gospel According to Shirley
A perfect opportunity for the usually formal Don Shirley to relax a bit, The Gospel According to Shirley presents a batch of inspirational standards and a Shirley original, plus a few contemporary songs that make sense in context. An orchestra accompanies him on several pieces, providing a good framework but often dating the session quite precisely. The opener, “I’ll Drown in My Tears,” is epic and grandiose, but a solo performance of “When the Saints Go Marching In” has much more feeling. Shirley’s original is an impressive, multi-part composition named “Trilogy,” and he provides new arrangements for “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” and “I’ve Been ‘Buked.” Placed near the end, “Blowin’ in the Wind” is one of the most distinctive versions of an oft-covered song; accompanied by cello and bass, Dylan‘s protest standard is transformed into a work of dignity worthy of the canon. Overall, the LP has the feel of an instrumental Ray Charles date, though with Shirley’s flowery style of caressing the keys substituted for the hard, earthy work of Brother Ray.
Track List:
- A1I’ll Drown in My Tears
- A2Climb Ev’ry Mountain
- A3Trilogy
- A4Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
- A5Glory Burdens Down Lord
- A6When the Saints Go Marching In
- B1I’ve Been ‘Buked
- B2He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
- B3I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free
- B4Blowin’ in the Wind
- B5Dream of a Time
- Don Shirley
piano, liner notes, arranger, composer - Gilberto Munguia
cello - Henry Gonzalez
bass - Teo Macero
producer - Arthur Kendy
engineer - Don Meehan
engineer - Stan Tonkel
