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Winter Dreams: The Life & Passions of F. Scott Fitzgerald (Artists House) is a fascinating release, with words and music written by vocalist
Nancy Harrow based on and inspired by the life and writings of
F. Scott Fitzgerald. The album is the fourth in a series of literary song cycles by Harrow. The first three were based on novels by Willa Cather and Nathaniel Hawthorne and on a children's story.
Winter Dreams examines Fitgerald through his life and the life of his characters. It deals with his struggle to keep on despite all his obstacles, which included his alcoholism, his wife's mental illness and his financial difficulties. Harrow sings with precision and clear diction; and her writing has wit and sophistication. She shares singing with Grady Tate, who has a straightforward baritone voice. (This is Tate's fifth release with Harrow. Probably better known as a drummer, Tate's recent solo album,
All Love (441 Records 
), also features his singing.)
The album features the last arranging work by the late pianist Roland Hanna, who also worked on Harrow's last two albums. There's some fine tenor sax playing from 81 year old Frank Wess, who seems to be more active that many musicians half his age. (I count at least a half dozen albums that feature him over the last year.)
Winter Dreams is the also fourth Harrow recording produced by John Snyder and is the premiere CD in his revived Artsists House label, which produced some excellent, wonderfully packaged LPs in the 1970s.
The songs on Winter Dreams deal with love and loss, ambition and status, lost dreams and the span of time. P oetic and moving, it's an unexpected gem.
Release Date: 12 August 2003
Nancy Harrow:
Winter Dreams (Artists House)
1. This Side of Paradise (Harrow) - 2:58
/ 2. You'll Never Get to East Egg (Harrow) - 2:33
/ 3. Winter Dreams (Harrow) - 4:13
/ 4. The Extra Mile (Harrow) - 1:58
/ 5. Oh God, I'm Sophisticated (Harrow) - 2:38
/ 6. Dear Max (Harrow) - 3:06
/ 7. My Swan (Harrow) - 2:42
/ 8. Beloved Infidel (Harrow) - 3:42
/ 9. Until It Comes Up Love (Harrow) - 3:53
/ 10. My Lost City (Harrow) - 3:42
/ 11. The Old Pro (Harrow) - 4:25
12. Winter Dreams (Harrow) - 3:52
Personnel:
Nancy Harrow (Vocals) /
Grady Tate (Vocals) /
Michael Mossman (Trumpet, Flugelhorn) /
John Mosca (Trombone) / Frank Wess (Flute, Tenor Sax) /
Bill Easley (Clarinet, Flute, Alto & Soprano Saxes) /
Sir Roland Hanna (Piano, Arranger) /
Rufus Reid (Bass) /
Akira Tana (Percussion, Drums)
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last update 8 November 2003