June 2005
When she turned 85, concert producer John Schreiber threw a four-hour party and invited some of McPartlands fans -- the musicians she has played with, helped and inspired -- to come show their appreciation. All four hours were recorded; about two hours are on this new two-CD set from Concord Jazz. The CD is filled with high points. Like Barbara Carroll, herself a spry 80 years old, singing Sondheims "Old Friend" then ripping through a fiery version of "Have You Met Miss Jones" that would probably scare off most piano players a fourth her age. Or, in another example of age-defying grace, Jackie Cain shows up for "While Were Young." This is, to my knowledge, her only time to step before the microphone since the death of her husband, Roy Kral. From 1946 until he died in 2002, they worked together as Jackie and Roy, producing some of jazzs most fun and ebullient tongue twisters. The few times each night when they slowed down to let Jackie sing a ballad were always moments to treasure. McPartland doesnt have the telepathic link with Jackie that her husband did, but the gist of the song comes through beautifully. Several of McPartlands younger fans showed up, as well. Two songs are nearly worth the price of the CD by themselves. First, "The Nearness of You" glides in on a slow, sultry, sexy reading by Norah Jones. Freed from having to play the piano herself, Jones gives her full attention to reading the lyric, and based on what she accomplishes, I wish shed do a CD of standards with someone else (Bill Charlap or Brad Mehldau would be good choices) on piano. The other standout track is by Roy Hargrove, a fellow alumnus with Jones of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing Arts in Dallas. He delivers a tear-drenched version of "My Foolish Heart" on a mellow-toned flugelhorn. Its guaranteed to tug at your foolish heart. There are a couple of low points, like McPartland and Jim Hall taking a poor stab at free jazz on "Free Piece." And Chris Potter and McPartlands race through "Tangerine" lacks any coherent direction. Plus, one other minor demerit for using too many of Concord Jazzs second team. Wheres Scott Hamilton? Gary Burton? Chick Corea? Joey DeFrancesco? Sonically, this is strictly close-mic multi-mono. Instruments pop out at you like you were sitting three inches from them, because that is where the microphones are. A little compression, reverb and EQ sweetening have been added as well. In other words, it is a typical contemporary jazz release. The sound is never disturbing, but it also never makes you take notice of its verisimilitude. Luckily, the music still shines through. I cant wait to see what Concord Jazz cooks up for MrPartland's 90th birthday! GO BACK TO: |