When Your Lover Has Gone by Eddie Higgins Quartet: A Cool Jazz Gem That Hits Hard
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. This album? It’s fire. Released in 2005 under Venus Records (yeah, Japan strikes again with their knack for jazz gold), When Your Lover Has Gone is a masterclass in cool jazz vibes. Eddie Higgins and his crew don’t mess around—they bring the heat without breaking a sweat. And honestly? You won’t see this kind of effortless swagger coming from just any group.
First off, let’s talk about the lineup because it matters. Eddie Higgins on piano—duh, he’s the man. John Doughten blowing tenor sax like his life depends on it. Phil Flannigan holding down bass duties like a boss, while Danny Burger keeps time on drums like he owns it. Together, they make magic sound easy. Shoutout to Tetsuo Hara too—he remastered this bad boy along with Shuji Kitamura, giving it that crisp polish fans love.
Now, onto the tracks. "Come Rain Or Come Shine" slaps hard right outta the gate. The groove hits you first—a smooth-as-hell rhythm section laying down the foundation—and then Doughten comes in wailing on the sax. It’s not flashy; it’s calculated chaos wrapped up in chill energy. You feel every note like it’s talking directly to your soul. Like, damn, who needs words when music can punch you in the gut like this?
Then there’s "The Red Door." Man, this one sticks. Higgins’ piano work here feels less like playing and more like storytelling. Each keystroke drips with emotion, painting pictures you didn’t even know you needed. By the time Doughten jumps back in with his sax solo, you’re hooked. It's haunting but beautiful, kinda like walking through an empty house at night—you’re scared but also weirdly mesmerized.
This record isn’t perfect—it doesn’t try to be. There are moments where things feel almost too laid-back, bordering on sleepy. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s raw, real, and unapologetically itself. No overproduced nonsense, just pure musicianship doing what it does best.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album makes me think about how jazz has become such a niche thing these days. Back in the day, people were losing their minds over stuff like this. Now? Most folks wouldn’t give it a second glance unless some TikTok influencer stumbled across it. Kinda sad if you ask me.
So yeah, When Your Lover Has Gone might not change your life overnight, but it’ll definitely leave a mark. If you’re into cool jazz or just need something mellow yet sharp enough to keep you on edge, grab this album. Just don’t blame me when you start hearing sax solos in your sleep.
P.S. Who names a track "Zoot's Hymns" anyway? Wild.
