The DIVA Jazz Orchestra: Tappin' Thru Life

Tappin' Thru Life is more than the title of a jazz album; it is a philosophy, one that guided Maurice Hines through most of his 80 years and all of his epic career as an acclaimed tap dancer and entertainer. The album is based on Hines' autobiographical stage show of that name whose music director, drummer par excellence Sherrie Maricle, is also a co-founder and leader of The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, a renowned all-woman ensemble.

After Hines' death in December 2023, Maricle and others decided that a celebratory album should be recorded to honor a man she describes as "a consummate showman who graced every stage he touched with his profound talent, natural charisma, unique brand of timeless show business perfection, and the heartfelt desire to bring joy to his audience." With that in mind, Maricle set to work gathering together the necessary components that would transform Tappin' Thru Life from concept to reality.

The orchestra, of course, was a given, although the usual 16-member ensemble would be pared to a nonet (three saxophones, two trumpets, trombone and rhythm) for the occasion. When it came to adding guest artists, Maricle thought immediately of the singing and tap dancing brothers, John Manzari and Leo Manzari, who were original cast members in Hines' stage performance, earning his approval and admiration. As more singers would be needed, Maricle enlisted two of the best: Tony Award-nominated Ann Hampton Callaway and Grammy-nominated Clint Holmes.

The playlist (17 songs in all plus an overture) was assembled mostly from Hines' show, ending with his signature finale, "Too Marvelous for Words," sung by the four vocalists with tap dancing by the Manzari brothers. The overture consists of four songs heard later on the album and one (Juan Tizol's "Caravan") that is not. John Manzari sings and taps on the opener, Frank Loesser's "I've Never Been in Love Before," and Fats Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose," while brother Leo does the same on "Everyday I Have the Blues" and "Ballin' the Jack." The brothers unite to sing and tap on Duke Ellington's "Ko-Ko" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."

Callaway, who, like Holmes, is superb on every number, makes her first appearances on Lerner and Loewe's "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" and "Get Me to the Church on Time," and reappears later to brighten Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields' "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg's "It's Only a Paper Moon." Holmes is showcased on four numbers in a row, all connected to Frank Sinatra: "Come Fly with Me," "All the Way," "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Luck Be a Lady"—returns for a sensitive reading (with pianist Jackie Warren) of Charlie Chaplin's memorable "Smile," and teams with Callaway on Bert Kaempfert and Milt Gabler's buoyant "L.O.V.E."

Lest one think that vocalists dominate the show, the fact is that DIVA is firmly front and center on every number, thanks in part to sharp and colorful arrangements by Scott Whitfield, Bill Mays, Tommy Newsom, Billy Byers, Johnny Keating, Billy May and Nelson Riddle, and dead-on broadsides from DIVA's arsenal of awesome soloists: Warren, Maricle, trumpeter Jami Dauber, alto saxophonist Leigh Pilzer, tenor Laura Dreyer, trombonist Jennifer Krupa and bassist Amy Shook—all sturdily anchored by peerless lead trumpeter Liesl Whitaker. Baritone Lauren Sevian is the only orchestra member who doesn't solo.

Tappin' Thru Life was envisioned as a tribute not only to Maurice Hines but to his family, including younger brother (and tap dancing partner) Gregory Hines, who died in August 2003. Their father, a dancer, musician and actor also named Maurice, taught the brothers to tap and later joined their act, which was then titled Hines, Hines & Dad, before Gregory and Maurice left to pursue a solo careers. Tappin' Thru Life was conceived in 2010, debuted three years later and played in theatres across the country until 2016, having earned numerous honors including four Audelco Awards from the prestigious Audience Development Committee.

Those who set out to honor Maurice Hines' life and career have certainly made their point. This is a tribute album whose love and warmth radiate from start to finish. Kudos to Maricle, the DIVA orchestra and their invited guests for producing an homage that discerns and appreciates the insuperable spirit that animated Hines and made him such an unforgettable performer, whether tapping, singing or sharing wonderful stories from his remarkable life experience. If you're not tappin' something—your toes or even your fingers—when listening, you're not paying close enough attention.

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