This excellent set, which features guitarist Rodney Jones on his melodic originals, blues, ballads, and a few standards, sounds as if it were recorded in 2005 except for one fact. Pianist Kenny Kirkland, who passed away prematurely in 1998, is in the quartet. Surprisingly no date is included in the liner notes, so the 1985 date given for the previously unreleased set is just an educated guess, since it is mentioned that bassist Marc Johnson was new in town at the time of the recording. It is a joy to hear some "new" Kirkland solos but the contributions of Jones, Johnson, and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts (who is very subtle throughout) should not be overlooked either. Jones' songs are excellent, with "Blue Days, Blue Dreams" and "While We Dream" in particular being rewarding ballads that should be covered by others. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow
Tracklist:1 – Star Eyes – Rodney Jones, DePaul, Gene
2 – Leana’s Song
3 – Happy Blue
4 – The Song Is You – Rodney Jones, Kern, Jerome
5 – Blue Days, Blue Dreams
6 – Five for the Duck
7 – While We Dream
8 – Summertime – Rodney Jones, Gershwin, Ira
9 – Serena
10 – No Time for the Blues
11 – Blues When You Need Them
12 – Road Song – Rodney Jones, Montgomery, J.L.
Personnel:
Rodney Jones (guitar);
Kenny Kirkland (piano);
Marc Johnson (bass instrument);
Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums)
Dreams & Stories
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