Roberta Gambarini
is a breath of fresh air among female jazz vocalists. Gifted with superb clear diction, a warm engaging voice, and an uncanny ability to bring out the best in each song,
Gambarini
shines throughout this one-afternoon session, recorded without isolation booths, splicing, or overdubs. Her sole accompanist is the masterful pianist
Hank Jones
, a veteran who knows something about inspiring great vocalists with his inventive piano playing, having recorded with
Ella Fitzgerald
,
Billie Holiday
Anita O'Day
, and
Helen Merrill
during a career that began over six decades prior to this session. The duo chose a wide-ranging mix of standards, show tunes, and jazz compositions (both familiar and lesser-known), along with some forgotten chestnuts of yesteryear. It is not surprising to learn that
and
Jones
entered the studio without a rehearsal or any arrangements, yet completed most of the 14 songs in a single take.
"Stardust"
is one of the most recorded works of all time, yet
recognizes the nuances within it and takes her time exploring each chorus, while
' elegant backing and delicious solo are flawless.
Billy Strayhorn
's
"Lush Life"
is one of the most demanding jazz compositions, a melancholy ballad with an unusual structure that trips up many vocalists, but
takes her time with a deliberate interpretation that ranks with any previous vocal recording of it. Their magical rendition of the sentimental ballad
"You Are There"
(music by
Johnny Mandel
, lyrics by
Dave Frishberg
) seems like it would be a natural choice for a film soundtrack.
"Deep Purple"
may have fallen out of favor in modern jazz, but
reveal its timeless quality with a sparkling performance. She's in a playful mood in
"You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me."
This exceptional vocal/piano duo recording is clearly one for the ages. ~ Ken Dryden