[Dixielandjazz] Shirley Horn and Tempo

[Steve barbone]

on 10/25/05 3:00 PM, dixielandjazz-request at ml.islandnet.com at
dixielandjazz-request at ml.islandnet.com wrote:

"Stan Brager" <sbrager at socal.rr.com> wrote (polite snips)

> Jazz Singer Shirley Horn Dies at 71 (Washington Post Obit)

> With her slow, meditative ballads, Horn was one of the leading jazz singers
> of her generation and was unquestionably Washington's pre-eminent jazz
> musician. . . .

> Her first jazz record, in 1960, was on a minor label,
> and she remained forever mystified how trumpeter Miles Davis found a copy.
> He appreciated the lingering silences of her music, similar to his own style
> at the time. . . .
 
> In later years, Horn won legions of listeners with her exaggeratedly slow,
> intimate ballads in which her words seemed to melt in the air. . . .
 
> "I've never known anyone that could do a ballad that slowly and keep it
> musical, keep it happening," pianist Marian McPartland told Down Beat
> magazine. Horn was a strong influence on many younger singers, including
> jazz pianist-vocalist Diana Krall.

Listening to the tempi of Shirley Horn ballads may give us all a little more
insight on how tempo can be modified to suit the performer. And her long
time side men were able to instinctively pause when she did. Tight group of
excellent back-up musicians and a wonderfully inventive singer. Rubato,
feeling and a unique personal improv style. What else is there in jazz?

Love you Shirley, RIP.

Cheers,
Steve