Jim Hall Quartet - All Across the City

All Across the City Review by Ken Dryden

Jim Hall's successful blend of contemporary and mainstream jazz should appeal to both camps on this well-crafted CD. Hall displays the subtle quiet lyricism that makes his guitar sound instantly identifiable. Gil Goldstein is a perfect choice on keyboards, because he uses synthesizer only to color rather than overpower a song, while avoiding schmaltz. Both "Beja-Flor" and the title track benefit from his contributions. Though his piano is frequently in the background, it matches Hall's hushed, effective guitar lines. Bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Terry Clarke frequently lay out during the introductions and then enter to add either gentle shadings or full steam, if needed. One of Jim Hall's best CDs.   AllMusic

Recorded at Penny Lane Studios, New York, May 1989.

 Jim Hall Quartet All Across the City

All compositions by Jim Hall except where noted

1. "Beija-Flor" (Nelson Cavaquinho, Noel Silva) – 6:32
2. "Bemsha Swing" (Thelonious Monk, Denzil Best) – 5:13
3. "Prelude to a Kiss" (Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills) – 4:51
4. "Young One (For Debra)" – 4:27
5. "R.E.M. State" (Gil Goldstein) – 5:34
6. "Jane" – 4:59
7. "All Across the City" – 5:32
8. "Drop Shot" – 5:33
9. "How Deep Is the Ocean?" (Irving Berlin) – 3:29
10. "Something Tells Me" (Jane Hall) – 5:00
11. "Big Blues" – 6:25

• Jim Hall – guitar
• Gil Goldstein – keyboards
• Steve LaSpina – bass
• Terry Clarke – drums