The Child Within
1996 studio album by Billy Childs
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The Child Within is an album by the American musician Billy Childs, released on August 20, 1996.[1][2] Childs supported it with several live dates.[3] The Child Within was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Jazz Performance, Individual or Group", with "Aaron's Song" nominated for "Best Instrumental Composition".[4]
| The Child Within | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 20, 1996 | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Label | Shanachie | |||
| Producer | Billy Childs | |||
| Billy Childs chronology | ||||
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Production
The album was produced by Childs.[5] He was backed by Dave Holland on bass, Jeff Watts on drums, and Terence Blanchard on trumpet.[6] Steve Wilson contributed on alto and soprano saxophone; Ravi Coltrane played tenor on one track.[7][8] "The Loneliest Monk" is named for a mispronunciation of "Thelonious Monk", allegedly made by MTV's Tabitha Soren.[5] "Theme from Chinatown" is an interpretation of Jerry Goldsmith's composition for the film Chinatown.[8]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [9] |
| MusicHound Jazz: The Essential Album Guide | [10] |
| The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD | [8] |
Billboard stated that "Childs' keyboard style is often dizzyingly funky, with a passing resemblance to the acoustic Herbie Hancock."[5] The Ottawa Citizen said that Childs "combines intricacy with high energy ... [his] take on jazz playing is broad enough to make for interesting ballads."[11] The New York Daily News noted that Childs "dives into fresh and inventive charts for standards and originals that organically frame the striking solos."[12] The Washington Post said that "Childs's meld of classical grace and jazz spirit proves bracing".[13] The Record criticized the "uncharacteristically sour play" of Blanchard.[7]
AllMusic called the album "a dandy collection of bop-influenced originals and some well-chosen standards".[9] MusicHound Jazz: The Essential Album Guide praised Childs's "unending melodic creativity".[10]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Loverman" | |
| 2. | "The Loneliest Monk" | |
| 3. | "Aaron's Song" | |
| 4. | "The Hunted" | |
| 5. | "Theme from Chinatown" | |
| 6. | "Alone Together" | |
| 7. | "Pannonica" | |
| 8. | "Just Another Day" | |
| 9. | "Dreams" | |
| 10. | "I Have a Love" |