At the Purple Onion cover

At the Purple Onion

Lenny Breau · 2004

67 min · 10 tracks · classical music

A captivating blend of jazz improvisation and classical guitar techniques that invites deep emotional reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

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    A New Electric Chair — This track exemplifies Breau's ability to blend intricate fingerstyle techniques with evocative melodies, showcasing his innovative approach to composition.
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    The Surrey With the Fringe on Top — Breau transforms this classic standard with his unique interpretation, incorporating unexpected chord changes and rhythmic variations that highlight his jazz sensibilities.
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    A Gentile Sings the Blues — This lengthy piece allows Breau to explore complex harmonic structures while maintaining a conversational flow that captivates listeners throughout its duration.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Newspaper Song

    The narrative shifts from personal reflections to societal observations as it progresses, creating a layered commentary on contemporary life.

    This structure enables a contrast between intimate storytelling and broader social critique, enriching the song's thematic depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Introduction 2:29
  • 2 A New Electric Chair 3:15
  • 3 The Surrey With the Fringe on Top 5:27
  • 4 The Newspaper Song 9:17
  • 5 Gum Addiction 4:09
  • 6 Tea for Two 13:19
  • 7 A Gentile Sings the Blues 21:05
  • 8 Work Song 5:14
  • 9 Oscar's Blues 1:53
  • 10 Joey's Solo 1:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata