Tea at the Waldorf, vol. 2 (LHS)

“Tea At The Waldorf, volume 1, has had a success that speaks volumes in itself.  Gratifying remarks from harpists throughout the country have verified my point of view.  Standards rule!  Those tunes, mostly from the big band era, bring a swing to the harp that has been outside the scope of most harp listeners.  This second volume takes a more relaxed route.  Romantic ballads that have been the mainstay of “easy listening” are presented here.  Swing style occurs in only two selections (“Somebody Loves Me” and “Lover, Come Back To Me”) as a rhythmic variation.  The feeling of rubato – give and take – is essential in the remaining titles…

…These titles are all taken from “The Harpist’s Fake Book.”[by Ray Pool] A second instrumentalist can play from that collection using the exact melodies and harmonies that are arranged for the solo harpist in this collection.  I have played through each of these pieces with a solo string player to check the utility of such an approach.  Occasional compromises are required… Ray Pool, New York City, September 29, 1999

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