Clark Terry - Portraits (1989) CD Rip

“Portraits” (1989) by legendary trumpeter Clark Terry is a warm and elegant bop-oriented jazz recording released on Chesky Records. The album showcases Terry’s unmistakable tone on both trumpet and flugelhorn, highlighting his lyrical phrasing, playful swing feel, and deep command of jazz tradition. Across a set of well-chosen standards and originals, the performance captures a refined studio sound with Chesky’s signature audiophile production style, emphasizing natural instrument placement and dynamic clarity. The quartet setting allows each musician to contribute meaningfully, with Don Friedman providing sophisticated harmonic support on piano, Victor Gaskin anchoring the ensemble on bass, and Lewis Nash delivering crisp, tasteful drumming that enhances the swing without overpowering it. The repertoire ranges from upbeat swing numbers to tender ballads, demonstrating Terry’s versatility and expressive range at a mature stage in his career. “Portraits” stands as a polished and deeply musical statement that celebrates the essence of classic jazz while maintaining a fresh, intimate recording aesthetic.

Tracklist:
1. Pennies from Heaven
2. Sugar Blues
3. Autumn Leaves
4. Finger Filibuster
5. Little Jazz
6. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
7. Jive at Five
8. Ciribiribin
9. Ow
10. I Can't Get Started
11. I Don't Wanna Be Kissed

Personnel
Clark Terry - trumpet, flugelhorn
Don Friedman - piano
Victor Gaskin - bass
Lewis Nash - drums