Petra Van Nuis and Dennis Luxion: From Me To You

In a world of autotuning and overproduction, it is not uncommon for musical ability to take a backseat to technology. However, only the truly talented can make the cut when all the effects and gimmicks are removed. Such is the case on From Me to You featuring Chicago- based vocalist Petra van Nuis and pianist Dennis Luxion, which presents the duo performing together in a one-on- one setting.

Van Nuis and Luxion have been performing together for years, and this is evident in this recording, which is a follow-up to their 2018 album Because We're Night People (String Damper Records). Since the original release, they have been performing regularly at Chicago's Le Piano nightclub, playing the "Afterglow" set, from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am every Saturday. From Me To You was inspired by these performances, and the recording effectively captures the relaxed, late-night intimacy.

One of the hallmarks of an effective live performance is each musician's ability to listen and respond to the other players. Van Nuis and Luxion have developed this art of musical conversation from their years of appearing together. Although this album is not recorded in front of an audience, it is recorded in a way that mirrors a live setting. The sound quality is superb, and there is just enough natural room echo to give it a feeling of sitting at a nearby table listening to them.

Judging from the setting, it might be tempting to assume the songs included would primarily consist of soft ballads and torch songs. The repertoire, however, represents a variety of musical styles reinterpreted for jazz. As Van Nuis explains, the selection "is typical of what we play at Le Piano." The album also includes compositions by two legendary Chicago musicians, Bob Dogan and Marc Pompe, both of whom recently passed away. The album is dedicated to Pompe, who was Van Nuis's mentor.

The album kicks off with the Irving Berlin song, "I Got Lost In His Arms," but the arrangement is slightly different from many other versions. Luxion's piano arrangement brings the song into a refreshingly modern context. They also put a unique spin on other show tunes such as "I Wish I Were In Love Again" and "Too Darn Hot."

From Me To You also includes excellent versions of Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through The Night," The Carpenters' "Rainy Days And Mondays," and Gato Barbieri's "Last Tango In Paris." They manage to take each cover song and make them their own effectively.

Although the album focuses on a variety of tunes ranging from humorous to melancholy, the real highlight of the album comes from the title song, written by Bob Dogan, and Marc Pompe's "Nothing." Both compositions serve as fitting remembrances and show the impressive level of their writing talent.

With each song on the album, Luxion and Van Nuis enter into a musical conversation that thrives on spontaneity. This is the kind of music that cannot rely on overdubs or second takes. It is all in the moment, and the result is pure satisfaction.

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