Charles Earland - Unforgettable (1991)

Charles Earland is definitely a survivor. The Hammond hero had lost his first wife to cancer when he made a triumphant return to soul-jazz in the late '80s, and he had recovered from a major heart attack when he recorded the appropriately titled Unforgettable. Earland was in the Intensive Care Unit in August 1991, and by December 1991, was back in the studio to record this superb and varied CD. The Philadelphian stressed that he was lucky to be alive, and he celebrates his survival with imaginative interpretations of everything from Joe Henderson's The Kicker to Nat King Cole's Unforgettable (which he takes a medium speed instead of its usual ballad tempo) to Santana's Europa. Earland has consistently demonstrated that commercial appeal and accessibility can go hand-in-hand with musical integrity, and Unforgettable is one of many fine examples. ~ Alex Henderson, AMG.

Muse Records, MCD-5455, 1992

Recorded 6^th December, 1991 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Musicians:

Charles Earland - Organ

Kenny Rampton - Trumpet

Clifford Adams - Trombone

Eric Alexander - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones

Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone (#1,5,7)

Oliver Nevels - Guitar

Gregory Williams - Drums (#1,2,5)

Buddy Williams - Drums (#3,4,6,7)

Larry Killian - Percussion

Tracks:

1. Unforgettable {Gordon} (5:26)

2. Europa [Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile] {Santana} (12:49)

3. Sheila {Earland} (6:32)

4. Commitment To Love {Earland} (5:46)

5. Heart Attack {Earland} (4:52)

6. Yes, I Love Her {Earland} (6:53)

7. The Kicker {Henderson} (3:34)

Credits:

Producer - Houston Person

Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Cover Photo - Tom Barnhart

Back Photo - Joe Flint

Graphic Design - Ron Warwell/NJE