This is what I love about jazz-in all other forms of music, the singers reach a peak and end their careers at the end of a slow descent. Contrariwise, in jazz, the vocalists age unbelievably well, with many of the singers’ best albums being their best. Mel Torme’ was a perfect example, as he sounded unbelievably wonderful even as they were hammering the nails on his wood coffin. Here we have two more examples, making you look forward to future material.
Eliane Elias still plays piano on this tribute to Chet Baker, but the emphasis is on her vocal interpretations along with Marc Johnson/b, Steve Cardenas & Oscar Castri-Neves/g, Randy Brecker/tp and Victor Lewis-Rafael Barata/dr with Marivaldo Dos Santos/perc. The contrast with Luciana Souza’s Baker-themed disc last year is striking, as while the earlier release emphasized the lonely and desolate side of the Cool Jazz icon, Elias bounces with a romantic joy. A few of the tunes like “There Will Never Be Another You” and “Embraceable You” have Elias cooing over a lovely Brazilian beat, while other tunes like “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” and “I Thought About You” in gentle acoustic strings and piano for support. In contrast to Souza’s desperate “I Get Along Without You Very Well,” Elias has us almost believing her as she sits reflectively along with her piano to close this charming session.
Tyrell, who never impressed me with his days singing on Father of the Bride, has finally won me over with his gloriously graveled voice that sounds like a mix between Dr. John and Leon Russell. His timing is perfect on this disc that emphasizes the songs of Sammy Cahn, which essentially means the Sinatra Songbook, and he makes it sound like his own. The foundation of Alan Broadbent/Quinn Johnson/p, Bob Mann/g, David Finck-Ed Howard/b, and Kevin Winard-Jim Sapporita/dr swings like a well greased lounged band, and with solos by Lew Soloff/tp on ”Come Fly with Me” or David Mann/sax on “Saturday Night,” the mood is just right. Tyrell himself sings like he means it on “Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out t Dry” and “Teach Me Tonight,” with just enough play in the delivery to keep it from going maudlin. Charm your socks off!
Concord Records