Pianist Randy Porter and his team of drummer Todd Strait and bassist John Wiitala answer affirmatively that songs composed by a great lyricist can be appreciated without a vocalist. Dave Frishberg, known for his wry, clever and sardonic lyrics, has his musical prowess explored, and it works out surprisingly well.
I’m sure most of you here know the lyrics to pieces like “Peal Me A Grape”, “I Want To Be A Sideman” and “I’m Hip” (what? No “My Attorney Bernie”?!?), but Porter helps you to enjoy the themes on their won merits. Strait delivers a nimble undercurrent on “Grape”, “Sideman” is lyrical without lyrics and “Hip” is still hep. Wiitala gives a nice bass line to “Zanzibar” while the leader gives a dash of Vince Guaraldi on “Snowbound” and during the expressive “You Are There”. Van Lingle Mungo would be proud.