Chad Lefkowitz-Brown's 2018 interpretation of "Isfahan" from the Standard Sessions pays tribute to one of the most beautiful compositions in the Ellington-Strayhorn songbook. Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington composed this piece for the Far East Suite, recorded in 1966, naming it after the historic Persian city. The 32-bar ABAC form in D-flat unfolds at a relaxed ballad tempo of approximately 92 BPM, creating an intimate atmosphere that demands lyricism and harmonic sensitivity. Lefkowitz-Brown delivers two unhurried choruses on tenor saxophone, bringing a warm, singing tone and thoughtful phrasing to the melody's graceful contours. The original version featured Johnny Hodges on alto saxophone, and Lefkowitz-Brown captures something of that lyrical tradition on tenor. Pianist Carmen Staaf follows with a single poised chorus, and bassist Ricky Rodriguez contributes a solo chorus on acoustic bass. The slower tempo and more spacious form represent a departure from the up-tempo blowing sessions that characterize much of the Standard Sessions project, revealing Lefkowitz-Brown's ability to communicate effectively at any tempo. The recording is a reminder that some of jazz's most profound statements happen at ballad tempo.
