Best-selling jazz pianist, Beegie Adair, returns with her debut recording for the Village Square Music label. DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES features 13 classics written by legendary, American composer, Johnny Mercer and delivere... more »d with Adair?s usual style, elegance and grace. Produced by Adair?s long time producer, Jack Jezzro and accompanied by her musical partners, bassist Roger Spencer and drummer, Chris Brown, Adair has once again created an instant classic and a must-have recording for fans of her timeless catalog.« less
Best-selling jazz pianist, Beegie Adair, returns with her debut recording for the Village Square Music label. DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES features 13 classics written by legendary, American composer, Johnny Mercer and delivered with Adair?s usual style, elegance and grace. Produced by Adair?s long time producer, Jack Jezzro and accompanied by her musical partners, bassist Roger Spencer and drummer, Chris Brown, Adair has once again created an instant classic and a must-have recording for fans of her timeless catalog.
"Now under a new banner of Village Square Records, Beegie Adair continues to be the master of interpretation of the composers pen ~ her latest release "Days of Wine and Roses:Song of Johnny Mercer" is joined by Roger Spencer (bassist) and Chris Brown (drummer) ~ as they perform thirteen great Mercer standards. Light jazz arrangements of classic Johnny Mercer hits are presented with the signature and style we've come to love.One can hardly pick a stand out, entire compilation draws on slow tempos with blends of original sentiment and gorgeous melodies ~ give a listen to the opening cue "DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES" and then "MOON RIVER", both songs in collaboration with Henry Mancini, have stood the test of time and will go on forever ~ "LAURA", the film-noir era gave us and starred Gene Tierney whose portrait on the wall stays with you the entire film, Beegie's performance on this track is simply haunting ~ "SKYLARK", all time favorite for many vocalist such as Ella Fitzgerald, but this arrangement from Adair serves up an inimitable instrumental style that completely gets under your skin and you're loving every minute of it.This album plays like fine wine and flows very easily on the ears ~ once again Jack Jezzro (producer) comes through with a must have for all music lovers and fans of Beegie. Arrangements take on many moods with the same sensitivity and tender loving care as her previous albums...gotta love it!Total Time: 50:18 on 13 Tracks ~ Village Square 3002 ~ (11/25/2003)"
Beegie Adair Does It.... Again! Stunning and Memorable
Ann McElroy | Hickory, NC United States | 01/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Good grief - why are there only two (other) reviews of this incredible CD? Don't you folks know this woman is at the top of the charts as an American jazz pianist and her CD's sell fast! I have over five of them and although my favorite is "I'll Take Romance", because it is backed up by a full luscious orchestra, this is a terrific compilation of Johnny Mercer songs such as "Moon River", "Days of Wine and Roses", and the always haunting "Laura". Ms. Adair is an extremely accomplished musician whose interpretation of all these classics stays true to form so you can thoroughly enjoy the original melody without it getting lost in some ghastly abstract maze of artistic over achievement. She and her trio stay on course and always honor the original melody, which I appreciate very much. This CD is another pure gold Beegie Adair 5-star winner for your listening pleasure. If you love soft jazz, it doesn't get better than this! Buy it....now."
Outstanding!
Richard Grenier | Chicago, Illinois United States | 01/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beegie Adair and her trio keep producing impeccable productions. I've been waiting for this tribute to Mercer, including Mancini's music, for a couple of years. This is my latest purchase of Beegie's many discs produced in the last few years, and it doesn't get any better. The album is done with the usual good taste, wonderful arrangements, excellent reproduction, and superb musicianship. The trio sounds fantastic on Days of Wine and Roses and Moon River, but then again all the renditions are great. This is a player who seems to be the best kept secret in jazz. Take it from me, a fan who has all of Beegie's albums, you will enjoy this disc or any other of Beegie's CD issues."
Definitely among the short list of great jazz pianists
SpincycleCR | Music City, USA | 07/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Reading through some other comments, I'd like to throw in my own three cents. Beegie Adair should indeed be considered among the short list of great jazz pianists. Her recordings are one thing. Here LIVE PERFORMANCES are quite another.
On Days of Wine & Roses, Beegie Adair and her trio present the great Johnny Mercer songs of romance in a, yes, "romantic" and "easy on the ears" format. Intentionally created for dinners, candlelight moments, and those oh-so-grand times of canoodling with your heartmate.
This in no way dismisses her from inclusion among Bill Evans, George Shearing, Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Tommy Flanagan, Gene Harris, et al. Still a sceptic? Go see her live concerts. I've attended dozens of them, and I have every single recording she has made (23 to date).
Again, her recordings are great, no doubt. Her live performances are beyond great. Hear for yourself."
Beegie's Best Yet
SpincycleCR | 03/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All of Beegie's cds are terrific and this one is just as good if not better than her others. Classy, Elegant, and Swinging..."