The Armpit Collection III

"I used to visit all the very gay places..." Rumor has it that Johnny Hartman went to see Coltrane play at the Birdland, after the show they ran over some songs and felt good about recording - a Coltrane idea. I don't think either of them were gay, but Billy Strayhorn was. The opening line above is from "Lush Life," written by Strayhorn and classically featured on this album. "...those come what may places. Where one relaxes on the axis of the wheel of life, to get the feel of life from jazz and cocktails." I am struck by this record and refuse to part with it. Hartman's polished and distinguished tone paired with Coltrane's genius is remarkable, standards at their finest. This is a man's man record.