Black Dahlia

I was not familiar with Belden's work -- but this is lovely, atmospheric, and high quality. Over the top in a few areas, I otherwise think it's a righteous representation of that moment in California's history, with enough dark, sparkly, and mysterious settings -- and high quality players -- to make the music a fitting complement to any reading you might be doing about the Dahlia herself. It's dynamic & the sound stage is large, so be aware that there are ups and downs in volume and tonality ... but you really shouldn't have your headphones cranked to 11, anyway, until you know what you're in for.

This is a dark film noir music of Raymond Chandleresque Los Angeles,written for The film Black Dahlia,the tragic true story of a young woman who follows her dreams to "Hollywood" and is found murdered.back in the 40's.Bob Belden wrote arranged and conducted and really captures the atmosphere.The young bassist Charlie Haden was drawn to L.A. and to this film noir vibe and has recorded his reflections with his Quartet West.Here Belden has an orchestra to work with,featuring excellent jazz musicians such as Joe Lovano,Lew Soloff,Conrad Herwig,Billy Kilson and Lou Marini. Though its been tried a few times,too bad no one has made a betterfilm adaptation of James Elroys novel of Black Dahlia which would do justice to this music>If you enjoyed the soundtrack to the film "Chinatown" this should appeal to you

This CD is the musical story of Elizabeth Short. The composer became fascinated with the life of a woman who, seeking love and the fulfillment of her dreams, found despair and an early death instead. This story is passionately told.Although the CD has a music noir feeling running through it, especially cuts 1, 4,5 and 9, there is a lot of other interesting jazz. "In Flight" and "101 North" are real burners. "The Edge of Forever" is a high energy orchestral celebration. "Zanzibar" has a distinctly African flavor. And "Danza d'Amore" is a chance for Joe Lovano to showcase his considerable skills.All of the cuts have a distinct theme and are there to tell the story. Each has a musical message. I really like the music on this CD and highly recommend it. It's one of my top ten jazz CD's of 2001.

I have listened to this CD over and over. I listen to it atwork with headphones. It's very beautiful, haunting, mysterious.There are lots of levels to the songs; lots going on. Thepercussion, the strings, woodwinds, piano, etc. fit togetherperfectly.

Great piece of work, by this Artist, wonderful CD enjoyed.

I hadn't heard Bob Belden before and I'm sure glad I finally did. This CD is beautiful, moody music and I can't stop listening to it. It reminds me of 1940's film noir music.

As is stated below, Elizabeth Short was a real life actress who came to L.A. with big dreams, and less talent, in the late thirties/ early forties. A striking beautiful, pale woman, she always dressed entirely in black. She had some bit parts. She was out of work. She descended into to twilight L.A. demi-monde. She met a gruesome death, a bizarre murder, still unsolved.Bob Belden's music is quite successful at evoking the dark mid 40's, murky, moody, boozey environment that surrounded her life like a thick fog. The CD has the feel of a soundtrack for a film noir movie that has yet to filmed. Like "Chinatown", or "L.A. Confidential". But real soundtracks don't have the substance of this set of pieces on a common theme. Evocative. Similar to work by Charlie Haden & The Quartet West.The trumpet part, as is said elsewhere, is reminescent of the lost-in-a-crowd melancholy of classic early Miles Davis. The orchestration doesn't overwhelm the solo voices. The earlier music starts out perky and upbeat, goes down tempo quickly. The end of the album is a fast Cuban/Latino song, she was last seen at a bar that featured hot latin Jazz, but most songs are dark and moody.Read up on Elizabeth Short, The Black Dahlia, turn the lights down, close your eyes, turn on the music and watch your own movie in your head!

Very sad to hear of this great musician composer arranger's passing today in Jazz Times. This is truly a soundtrack that needs a movie. His use of horns and the fabric of his arrangement is perfect in setting the mood. Dark and juicy...all the way from Malibu to the San Fernando Valley and across the maze to Long Beach. Particularly like the sound Lou Soloff weaves with this late master's trumpet. Also a sad recent passing. Get this disc while you can. It's fine for late night or cruising. And yes, by headphones like your favorite Sennheisers, is the best way to hear this fine music. Go for it. ox Alex