Jazz with strings combines jazz’s passion with an orchestra’s power. In the 1920s, Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman’s bands used strings. There is a deep fascination among jazz musicians with classical music and how jazz can be combined with an orchestra without diluting the potency of jazz improvisation or the complexity of classical orchestration. The greatest jazz albums with strings featuring jazz musicians are listed below:
Stan Getz – Focus (Verve)
The arguably best Stan Getz album, recorded in 1961, features seven compositions commissioned by Getz and written and arranged by Eddie Sauter. This album features seven pieces, overshadowed by Bossa Nova albums recorded a few years later. A saxophonist’s composition, ‘I’m Late, I’m Late,’ is about more than slow tempos and sumptuous strings.
Charlie Parker with Strings (Verve)
On November 30, 1949, Parker achieved a long-held ambition to record with strings. The string arrangements should be more impressive, but Parker’s solos still shine through. The song “Just Friends” by John Klenner and Sam Lewis from the first session has become synonymous with Parker with strings.
Clifford Brown with Strings (EmArcy)
The Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet was a hot jazz group. Clifford Brown took time out of his busy schedule to record his string album in January 1955 with three quintet members assisting him — Max Roach on drums, Richie Powell on piano, and Gorge Morrow on bass.
Billie Holiday – Lady in Satin (Columbia)
Recorded in February 1958, Lady in Satin’s album reveals a broken woman. Her voice may shadow her former self, but she is determined to make an album with strings and insists that Ray Ellis write for her, resulting in a sad and inevitable sound. When new songs challenge Billie, she responds with heartfelt interpretations, albeit with a sense of sadness.
Chet Baker With Strings (Columbia Legacy)
A jazz quintet and nine-piece string section accompany Chet Baker’s lyrical trumpet playing. The trumpeter was relatively young at the time, just 24, but his playing had an endearing air of quiet confidence. He plays with a lot of attitude on ‘I’m Through With Love’ and with Zoot Sims on ‘A Little Duet With Zoot and Chet.’
Paul Desmond – Desmond Blue (RCA Victor)
Paul Desmond was best known as part of Dave Brubeck’s quartet but also recorded under his name. Aside from featuring his regular guitarist Jim Hall, Desmond’s album also features an entire string section and additional woodwinds. While his light and airy sound suits the album well, his fantastic yet insightful solos prevent it from becoming an easy listen.
Wes Montgomery – Fusion! (Riverside/OJC)
The title of this album is unusual for a musician who doesn’t seem to meld jazz with rock or classical music. Still, we have a relaxed, comfortable Wes Montgomery playing some familiar tunes. Even though this album is more flexible than the others, it is satisfying to hear the artist at work.
Bill Evans Trio With Symphony Orchestra (Verve)
It was recorded in October and December 1965, and Bill Evans has reportedly been proud of it. The arrangements by Claus Ogerman sometimes seem flimsy and light, but they still leave a lot of room for the pianist, his bassist Chuck Israels, and his drummer Larry Bunker or Grady Tate.
Art Pepper – Winter Moon (OJC/Galaxy)
The saxophonist passed away on June 15, 1982, after recording this album with strings in early September 1980. A late entry for Art Pepper, this beautiful recording was released the following year. Pepper was aware of the limited time he had left during his last five years, and this recording is one of his most beautiful.
Phineas Newborn, Jr. – While My Lady Sleeps (Bluebird/RCA)
Phineas Newborn Jr While My Lady Sleep was released on the RCA Victor label in 1957 and features Dennis Farnon and His Orchestra. This recording of Phineas’ standard repertoire features the tunes his listeners enjoy most.
Final Words
A great jazz singer, Sylvia Brooks is dedicated to bringing the healing power of music to people. A few of Jazz with Strings’ original albums are very popular. Listen to jazz music albums if a lister wants to dive deeper into this genre.