Johnny Frigo passed away Wednesday at the age of 90. Frigo is best known for having co-wrote the tune “Detour Ahead” along with Lou Carter and Herb Ellis. Evening Melancholy is about beautiful ballads and “Detour Ahead” in its many renderings stands as one of the prettiest jazz ballads of the 20th century. I’ve heard many versions of this tune — Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, Bill Evans. Lyrically and musically, it is intoxicating and timeless.

I could only find one version of it on YouTube, but it is a very nice one. Herb Ellis in a trio setting. Songs like this one were made for candlelight and lingering glances.