Two things drew me to this album before I'd even listened! Ann Hampton Callaway sent me flying on the seat of my pants when she gave a knockout, one woman show at Pizza Express back in 2019 and I couldn't wait to recapture the magic of the moment. Review HERE.
The other magical magnetic moment, well actually three, was the idea of the Manzari brothers paying tribute to the latter day legend of tap, Maurice Hines. I just love the rhythms a class tapper can come up with - often more pleasing than those of a good drummer.
Tappin' Thru Life Overture is a brief instrumental medley arranged by Maricle and Pilzer comprising It Don't Mean a Thing, Every Day I Have the Blues, Caravan, Luck be a Lady and Too Marvelous For Words with brief solos by Pilzer, Dreyer, Krupa and Dauber. One thing's for sure - the band has turned up and is raring to go.
I've Never Been in Love Before features John Manzari's Tormé-like vocal as well as his super tapping - Fred who?! Krupa (trombone) and Dauber (trumpet) provide the icing.
Every Day I Have the Blues features Leo Manzari with some Raelettes type backing vocals and Dreyer blowing tenor before Leo goes into his routine with Warren rocking the piano.
I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face Callaway's vocal is absolutely mesmerising enhanced by Warren's supportive solo - a masterpiece in its own right.
Get me to the Church on Time more My Fair Lady from Callaway this time swingin' like her middle namesake and the band doing likewise with tasty tenor from Dreyer.
Ballin' the Jack has Leo doing the singing and the tappin' first with just Jackie Warren on piano then the band coming in strong and powerful.
Honeysuckle Rose. John sings and Amy plucks the bass before going into a fine solo gradually joined by Jackie on piano.
Come Fly With me is the first of four numbers associated with Frank Sinatra. Clint Holmes does it 'his way' which isn't a bad way at all. Same Billy May arrangement as Frank used although tailored to suit the smaller combo.
All the Way from the film The Joker is Wild showcases Clint's gentle crooning effectively supported by Jackie's piano accompaniment and solo.
I've Got You Under my Skin is the Nelson Riddle arrangement with Jennifer Krupa blowing the traditional trombone solo which now is as built into the song as the solos are in High Society and Dippermouth Blues. Clint runs Frank to a photo finish.
Luck be a Lady from Guys and Dolls is another Billy May arrangement with Holmes putting on his Nathan Detroit hat and a nice bouncy swing from the 'dolls'.
Ko-Ko. John and Leo Manzari choreographed and hoofed the Ellington/Parker classic. It's a bit like a drum battle between Louis Bellson and Buddy Rich although, as there's no melody instruments involved and no tune played, it could be called the 1812 Overture or Old McDonald Had a Farm or you name it.
I Can't Give You Anything But Love brings Callaway back into the game. Along with bass and piano it's soft and dreamy, it's the kind of voice that stays with you forever - a bit like a winning goal at Wembley (a regular occurrence in the north east this year) but better as you're not kept biting your fingernails.
It's Only a Paper Moon. Callaway, Jackie Warren and the Diva Jazz Orchestra give it one! Another great vocal, piano, band combination.
Smile. Clint Holmes in the vocal seat for this one. It's maudlin lyrics have never been among my favourites but Clint does them better than most and I must confess I've been smiling ever since the ref blew the final whistle this afternoon.
L.O.V.E. is a duet by Callaway and Holmes that gels with both offering contrasting studies in scatology. Dauber and Krupa throw in some trumpet and trombone blasts in this wild track.
It Don't Mean a Thing. The Brothers Manzari sing and swing and do some fantastic light tripping.
Too Marvelous For Words. An appropriate title for an album that is exactly that even though us Brits would dispute the shortage of 'l's in the title. It's all hands to the pump with Callaway singing a chorus out of tempo. Holmes upping it, the Divas swinging like Basie and the dancing brothers doing what they do best - singing and dancing. It's been quite a day! Lance
PS: Arrangers (where credited): Sherrie Maricle/Leigh Pilzer (tk 1); Tommy Newsom (tks 2, 14, 15, 16); Scott Whitfield (tks 3, 17, 18); Bill Mays (tk 4); Billy Byers (tk 5); Johnny Keating (tk 6); Maurice Hines (tk 7); Billy May (tks 8, 11); Nelson Riddle (10); John and Leo Manzari (tk 12)
1 comment :
Thanks for this charming review!
Post a Comment