Mary Pearson: You and I

Vocalist Mary Pearson's CD You and I is interesting in that each song is a duet in which she is accompanied by a lone instrument. It may be a piano (Lynne Arriale on four tunes, Fred Hersch on two), a guitar, a bass, or on two tunes, drums. While Pearson doesn't delve into scat singing or daring improvizational flights, her interpretations, phrasing, and articulation are excellent. Of the dozen tunes on the program, nine are standards and three are very competent Pearson originals. Most of the tunes are love ballads, and Pearson's husky, legato alto adds a measure of seductiveness to each one. The sparse one-instrument accompaniment on each song keeps the proceedings soft, interestingly interactive, and intimate. (Arkadia Jazz 71325)

Tracks: Lazy Afternoon; The More I See You; Take Five; What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life; I Am Yours/You Are Mine; Thou Swell; You and I; In Your Arms; How Long Has This Been Going On?; My Funny Afternoon; I Can't Believe; Over the Rainbow. (55:00)

Title: You and I | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Arkadia Jazz