Various Artists - New York, New York: The City In Song (2000)

Jazz may have its roots in New Orleans, but New York City has always been synonymous with the art form that has sometimes been labeled as "America's Classical Music." The Big Apple is as much of a jazz town as New Orleans is, so this CD, New York, New York: The City in Song - at one time available only through The Metropolitan Museum Of Art which is where I bought my copy - is an entirely appropriate salute to the city that never sleeps. All of the song titles reference America's largest city in some way.

The disc is loaded with vintage jazz. Louie, The Duke, and The Count are all here and there is even an Armstrong/Ellington duet on "Drop Me Off In Harlem." Stan Kenton contributed "Stompin' At The Savoy" and Buddy Rich shines on the lengthy "West Side Story Medley." Peggy Lee, Dakota Staton, and Lena Horne all sing their hearts out while The Modern Jazz Quartet, Benny Green, Bud Powell, and George Shearing all show off their instrumental virtuosity.

I may be nitpicking here but where are Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Billie Holiday? Jazz doesn't get any more New York than those three yet even without their inclusion the disc is something you'll want to own.

The CD is no longer available through the museum, but you can still buy it at Amazon for a very reasonable price.

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