Tom Lellis: Avenue Of The Americas

Lellis borrows some pages from the Mark Murphy songbook, which works well for him on this session. The album's title refers to not only the New York thoroughfare (also known as Sixth Avenue), but also the more mythical musical streets of Brazil and perhaps Central America. Lellis provides original vocals and makes his debut on guitar on the Newley/Bricusse piece "Pure Imagination," also duetting on guitar with Horta on "Waiting for Angela."

Lellis, who previously penned lyrics to compositions by McCoy Tyner and Keith Jarrett, contributes new lyrics to Pat Metheny's "For Better Days," which appeared on the guitarist's Letter From Home album; Toninho Horta's "Olinda Wind"; Yellowjackets Russell Ferrante and Jimmy Haslip's "For Wisdom"; and "Isle Awhile," composed by former Jazz Messenger pianist Donald Brown. On the Wright/Forrest standard "Baubles, Bangles and Beads," Lellis sings with guitar accompaniment in the style of Joao Gilberto, whom I believe delivered a nearly identical version some decades ago.

The conclusion of the album finds Lellis melding the R&B classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," written by Ashford and Simpson, with the hit "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," popularized by U2. The use of these two songs in a medley underscores his theme of search and fulfillment. Then Lellis reprises his lyrics for Keith Jarrett's "Lucky Southern" with Dori Caymmi's "Maracangalha." He also contributed the guitar accompaniment, arrangement and Portuguese lyrics. Among the many musicians who contribute to this album are bassist Richard Bona, flautist Jeremy Steig, pianists Kenny Werner, Dave Kikoski and Gary Fisher, and percussionist Frank Colon.

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