A Lazy Afternoon is a hearfelt collaboration between two estimable veteran artists: Harold Land, the superb and constantly evolving saxophonist still remembered for his high-level performances with Clifford Brown and Max Roach in the mid '50's and his creative work with Bobby Hutcherson in the late '60's and '70's, and arranger Ray Ellis, who, though he has authored arrangements for many Top 10 hits, is best recalled for Lady in Satin, a 1958 session for Columbia Records for which he wrote gorgeous string backdrops for Billie Holiday.

That album had long touched Land. "Billie sounded so soulful, and the arrangements were so sensitive," he says. "It was one of those marriages made in heaven." Postcards A&R Director Ralph Simon also connected with that recording, and when he decided to document Land with a string section, he called Ellis. The seasoned orchestrator crafted deft arrangements to showcase Texas native Land’s proclivity for emotion-laden performances, and the result is a dynamic package that celebrates both melody and rhythm in an atmosphere rich with feeling.

The principals formed a quick and solid bond. Ellis feels that "Harold's a beautiful guy who plays like his personality -- laid-back," while Land offers, "Ray's beautiful writing put me in a romantic mood, which is good to be able to feel at this late stage of the game."

Comprised of classic standards that are performed just so, A Lazy Afternoon is a splendid effort. It belongs among other "With Strings" collections that do not grow old, those by such giants as Clifford Brown, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Charlie Parker, and Billie Holiday.

-- Zan Stewart

-- Harold Land