Saxophone virtuoso Tommy Smith reveals himself to be a consummate ballad player on this laid back selection of classics by two of the most justly celebrated composers in jazz history: Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

The eleven classics contained on this recording - five by Ellington, four by Strayhorn and two collaborative pieces - include some of the loveliest songs to grace twentieth-century music. The cleverly chosen title track 'The Sound Of Love', written by Charlie Mingus in tribute to Ellington, is a rarely played gem.

Smith fully respects the two composers' original intentions, whilst utilising shading, colour and texture to add a further dimension of warmth to these familiar themes. Made in New York, with many tracks recorded in just one take, the album peaked at no.20 in the American Gavin Jazz Chart upon release.

Smith is accompanied by a trio of seasoned musicians: Kenny Barron (a six-time recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association 'Best Pianist' award), bassist Peter Washington and Billy Drummond on drums.

Contents:
1. Johnny Come Lately
2. The Star-Crossed Lovers
3. In A Sentimental Mood
4. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
5. Chelsea Bridge
6. Isfahan
7. Duke Ellington's Sound Of Love
8. Sophisticated Lady
9. Passion Flower
10. Solitude
11. Prelude To A Kiss
12. Cottontail