Subtitled “The Music of Bernstein, Weill & Sondheim,” this disc features vocalist Deborah Shulman and trombonist Larry Zalkind delivering mature and intelligent readings of some jazz standards as well as a few Broadway pieces in a variety of well crafted settings. Shulman’s voice is relaxed, warm, unrushed and patient, with a subtle sense of swing. The supporting team of Jeff Colella/p, Joe LaBarbera/dr and Larry Koonse/g mix and match with a variety of guests that bring cellos, violas and accordions. The arrangements are quite clever; a tangential take of “Something’s Coming” has the band touching the outskirts of the melody while Shulman gently graces the tune. Hints of the Weimer Republic crop up on an attractively restrained reading of “Mack the Knife” while a pastoral “Children Will Listen” emphasizes Shulman’s sense of wonder with a lyric. Zalkind’s trombone is understatedly rich and warm, embracing a brassy frame in the reading of “My Ship” while a “Losing My Mind” has a stark and vulnerable vocals with only Terry Trotter’s piano for protection. Impressive music and musings here.
Summit Records
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