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Michael Feinstein: Big City Rhythms
ByFrom the gentle small combos of Ray Noble’s "The Very Thought of You" (which features an ear-singeing solo by Mr. Ferguson) and a piano bar rendition of Hoagy Carmichael’s "How Little Wqe Know" to the all-out swings of Evans and Bostic’s "Let Me Off Uptown" and Rogers and Hart’s "Johnny One Note," Feinstein mixes it up in the big city and rarely gets lost. Though Feinstein’s "One Note" may not be his strongest and his proclamation that "Swing Is Back In Style" may be a bit late, any original song that can offer a comparative music lesson which combines a tribute to Basie and Bing with a dig at Sting (and in similar rhyming style) is a notable composition indeed.
Borrowing from his impressive mental musical archives, Feinstein uses Benny Goodman’s "Lullaby In Rhythm" to demonstratre the wide array of songs that used similar lyrical themes (including "Lullabye of Birdland," "Lullabye of Broadway" and "Fascinatin’ Rhythm"). He also takes a second stab at the composer’s desk with the repetetive but appropriately-paced "Rhythm of the Blues." Though Feinstein’s choices and voices vary widely on this album, it is an impressive departure which looks back with Feinstein’s typical care and attention while looking forward with promise.
Track Listing
1. Close Your Eyes 2. The Very Thought Of You 3. Let Me off Uptown 4. Girl Talk 5. You Can't Lose 'Em All 6. One Day at a Time 7. The Rhythm Of The Blues 8. The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else 9. Ev'rything You Want Is Here 10. Johnny One Note 11. Swing Is Back in Style 12. Love Is Nothin' But a Racket 13. Lullaby in Rhythm 14. When Your Lover Has Gone / The Gal That Got Away 15. New York, New York 16. How Little We Know
Personnel
Michael Feinstein
vocalsAlbum information
Title: Big City Rhythms | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Concord Music Group
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About Michael Feinstein
Instrument: Vocals
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