Sarah Partridge: Perspective (2010)

C. MICHAEL BAILEY,

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: October 12, 2010

Track review of "Skylark"

Sarah Partridge's recital, Perspective, follows three previous vocal recordings that mark the second half of her dual career as actor and singer. On her current offering, Partridge performs a collection of standards, with pianist Daniel May. that is as fresh and solid as Partridge's perfectly refined voice. The true beauty in Partridge's vocal delivery is her no-nonsense conservative approach to melody. She is much more a song stylist as opposed to a jazz singer, but then again, that is just semantics. Her interpretive gifts come closer to a Frank Sinatra or Barbra Streisand than a Mark Murphy or Betty Carter.

The enduring chestnut "Skylark" is a well-equipped vehicle for Partridge's perfectly balanced voice. The singer and pianist May are well-matched for this famous ballad, both approaching the piece with a careful, quiet grace respectful of its composers, transparently performing the song so that the genius of Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael shines through unimpeded. May's piano is light and melodic, a bed of violets upon which Partridge's warm voice reclines.

Personnel: Sarah Partridge: vocals; Daniel May: piano.

Record Label: Self Produced
Style: Vocal