Album Notes

Honolulu pianist Rich Crandall is featured with his working trio including Steve Jones (bass) and Rory Flores (drums). Guitarist Bryan Kessler joins the trio on several tracks and young vocalist Angela Crandall is introduced singing two songs.

Little did we know after finishing the music for this album that Rory, our friend and the album’s drummer, would be stricken by an illness that finally took his life. What was intended as our next album became our last together…and now serves to honor Rory’s memory. Rest in peace, dear friend…Sofronio Romarico Ledesma Flores Jr. We celebrate your life as we listen to these “last takes” recorded with you.

The first tune “Stomper” especially suits Rory, who enjoyed a splendid career as featured dancer with the London-based company of “Stomp.” “Zeedijk Lullaby” and “Mind the Gap” are two Crandall compositions with Amsterdam and London in mind. “For You” is a romantic ballad written by friend, pianist, and composer Flip Nuñez. Vocalist Angela is introduced on “There Will Never Be Another You” before Crandall’s "Song for Patricia" followed by his piano treatment of “The Shadow of Your Smile.” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” is a somber treatment of the Pete Seeger anti-war classic before the band plays a rollicking blues entitled “Travels with Mr. Charley.” The album ends with daughter Angela and father Rich singing their cheerful “Moon In the Daytime.” See www.music-formats.com for more about "Last Takes with Rory" and other Crandall recordings.