Acclaimed vocalist-lyricist-arranger Fay Victor & her Herbie Nichols SUNG Quintet celebrate and thoroughly reconsider the rich legacy of jazz composer Herbie Nichols with Life Is Funny That Way, bringing it singing boldly into this century. Following on Billie Holiday, who famously wrote "Lady Sings The Blues" to Nichols' "Serenade," Victor developed this deep love project over the course of the past decade, after years of exploring the late composer's work.
This landmark album also the first time that a full program of lyrics were written & recorded for Nichols' compositions. The innovative arrangements - also by Victor - are brought to vibrant life by a long-dedicated & deeply gifted quintet of veteran jazz performers, with Michael Attias (alto & baritone saxophones), Anthony Coleman(piano), Ratzo Harris (bass), and Tom Rainey (drums). A group united by their mutual love of both Nichols' writing and Victor's estimable artistry.
The source material is from Nichols' Blue Note sessions of 1955-56, plus three compositions not recorded in his lifetime. The erudite & extensive liner notes, which include key elements of Nichols biography, were written by esteemed jazz critic & author Kevin Whitehead (NPR's Fresh Air).
Packaged in deluxe 6-panel digipak with full-color 12pg booklet.
