Charlie Haden - Quartet West (Verve, 1987)

This post is by Dan

Charlie Haden (b); Ernie Watts (ts, as, ss); Alan Broadbent (p); Billy Higgins (d)

Recorded December 22 and 23, 1986

Quartet West is an unabashed attempt to recapture the 1950s Hollywood vibe. It was one of several albums by Charlie Haden and his quartet to have this nostalgic aim. And it worked! People loved these albums not only for their retro sensibility but also for the playing. They're outstanding jazz albums that appeal to the public, just like jazz did in the 1950s.

The follow-up album, In Angel City, continued the quartet format. Subsequent albums by Quartet West focused on Hollywood film music and expanded the line up to include vocalists and string sections. I like the first two albums, which stayed in their jazz lanes better than the pop material and arranging in the later albums. 

My favorite track on Quartet West is "Hermitage," composed by Pat Metheny and first aired on his New Chautauqua album (ECM, 1979). It perfectly sets the mood for a laid-back rediscovery of times past. Ernie Watts' tenor fits the mood perfectly while Haden and Billy Higgins move things along coolly. Other highlights include an Ornette Coleman tune, "The Good Life," and two standards - "Body and Soul" and "My Foolish Heart." The album closes with a 7:39 bass solo, "Taney County," which is dedicated to Haden's parents. 

It's practically impossible to grasp Haden's enormous impact on jazz over his 60-plus years of playing, composing, arranging, and leading a wide variety of jazz projects. Quartet West represents just one small facet of a great artist.

The CD includes two additional tracks. I have not heard these. Obviously, the band enjoyed playing together, as their smiles show!