Rendezvous (Jacky Terrasson and Cassandra Wilson album)


Rendezvous is a collaborative studio album by American jazz singer Cassandra Wilson and jazz pianist Jacky Terrasson. The album was released in 1997 on Blue Note label. The album includes mostly jazz and pop standards. The album's title derives from an obscure Herbie Hancock's ballad.

Recording

Recordings were made on January 4, 5, 6, and 19 and April 4, 1997 at Clinton Recording Studios in New York City. All the songs were arranged by Jacky Terrasson. The music material was recorded and mixed on analog recorder recorders without noise reduction; also no equalizers were used during mastering.

Reception

Jonathan Tabak of OffBeat commented "Terrasson’s piano draws more blues out of Wilson’s voice than the electric guitar to which she’s accustomed. Here she sounds like a more fragile Nina Simone. She seems to be kissing each syllable goodbye with heart-rending tenderness, as though she doesn’t want to release her soul’s bounty until the last possible moment. Rendezvous reminds us that a thousand delicate whispers have greater romantic impact than a single shout". Adam Shatz of The New York Times called the release "a luckluster album of standards". Don Heckman of The Los Angeles Times stated "The mood throughout the album is dark and thoughtful. These are not interpretations that reach out to grab the listeners. But there are ample rewards for listeners willing to take the time to go with Terrasson's and Wilson's always mesmerizing readings". Suzanne McElfresh of Vibe added "Rendezvous is technically a collaboration, but this disc is an affair far more Jacky Terrasson's and Cassandra Wilson's".

Track listing

The Japanese release includes two additional tracks: "Come Rain or Come Shine" written by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen, and "Medieval Blues" by Mino Cinelu.

Personnel