Alto/soprano saxophonist Kim Richmond has long had an affinity for ballads, especially those from the "great American songbook". With "Ballads," Kim has devoted an entire album to this particular art form, selecting 17 of his personal favorites. Avoiding overt sentimentality, his jazz interpretations are sometimes arresting, sometimes provocative, but each is endued with a sense of depth & timelessness. Although the personnel varies & is sometimes augmented from track to track, the core rhythm unit is comprised of Trey Henry, Joe La Barbera & Reggie Thomas.