Andre Previn
is so well-regarded in the 20th century as a classical composer and conductor that it's easy to forget his early days in
jazz
, when he played with such artists as
Billie Holliday
,
Benny Goodman
Shelly Manne
Dizzy Gillespie
, and
Ella Fitzgerald
. He was also active as a writer and arranger for
Count Basie
Woody Herman
Goodman
. He's been making
albums for half a century, but has only on occasion released a true live date -- which makes this spirited duet recording with bassist
David Finck
such a treat.
Previn
draws from a wide range of
classic
tunes and throws in a few new compositions. He gives
Gerry Mulligan
's
"Westwood Walk"
an air of strutting confidence, an attitude he carries over to his own highly percussive piece
"Hi Blondie."
"My Funny Valentine"
has been done perhaps a million times, but
and
Finck
bring out a quiet elegance that makes it sound as charming and fresh as ever. Seems like they're pretty intent on keeping the improvisations and energetic runs at the core because the minute they've lulled listeners into romantic complacency, they spruce up
Cole Porter
"What Is This Thing Called Love"
into what seems like a potent relay race. Same pattern occurs later when
follows the eloquent
"Bye Bye Sky"
(written by his teenage son
Lukas
) with the playful and spry
"Batter Up."
There are also classics by
Billy Strayhorn
(
"Chelsea Bridge"
) and
Duke Ellington
"Come Sunday"
), and what would a
album be without a little
Gershwin
. The set closes with exciting renditions of
"Oh, Lady Be Good"
"I Got Rhythm."
~ Jonathan Widran