Chris Anderson has the rare gift of being able to improvise harmonically. He once commented that a recording of his own playing sounded tentative. When it was suggested that he arrange it more tightly, he responded almost with outrage ... "that's practically half the fun ... not knowing where I will go with the harmony!" His musical choices, however, are always sound and never arbitrary. He does not waste notes; each one has a life of its own. His only commitment is that it be beautiful, and he trusts that if it is heartfelt it will come out beautiful. Chris approaches each song as an arranger / pianist, and he uses the piano as his orchestra. The listener can appreciate his respectful handling of these great classics, most of which come from the Ellington-Strayhorn songbook. Chris feels that these wonderful musicians have "created some of the most profound works in this century. They embody the rare combination of being both harmonically sophisticated and lyrically beautiful. The songs I've chosen are amongst my favourites. Sophisticated Lady first came out as a pop tune, usually done by singers. I tried to make a more orchestral arrangement out of it, hoping the result would have pleased Duke." As Chris plays these great standards, no matter how imaginative his harmonies, he always maintains the integrity of the original composition. But, above all, it is Chris's expression of beauty that emerges. His music says it all. The only thing I could possibly add are these three little words ... I love him. So Now, you listen! Barry Harris [CD Details]