Search - Mary Cleere Haran, Richard Rodney Bennett :: Mary Cleere Haran - Pennies From Heaven: Movie Songs From The Depression Era

Timeless messages in a lusciously musical way

ahlfors@citycabaret.com | NY, NY | 07/07/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pennies From Heaven, Mary Cleere Haran's new CD is the spirit, spotlighting the spirit and music of the Depression Era. But Haran and her arranger/accompanist, Richard Rodney Bennett bring this album straight into the 90's, never letting the storyline drop. The choice of material is pure New York-sidewalk, with guys and dolls, shadows slanting across the early morning streets, the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rodgers glossy Art Deco dance floor replaced by the grit of concrete pavement. Times are hard, and, many people can only hope for "pennies from heaven." Haran's sensitivity to the feelings behind the lyrics, her meticulous phrasing, sharp jazz input, and swings from brassy to dreamy, bring to life the timeless messages of romance, dreams, and the instinct to survive. The soul of the album might be the inspired pairing of, "Night in Manhattan" and "42nd Street." It begins with a jazzy mood of grabbing frenetically at life during hard times, gliding into a smooth "42nd Street," then swaying softly back into blues of the words, "Night in Manhattan..." Haran brings a new aggressiveness to this music, like her swinging, scatting touch in, "Broadway Jamboree." A gentle swing steals, "Breezin' Along With the Breeze," away from Helen Morgan, leading into the upbeat Rodgers and Hart anthem, "Hallelujah, I'm A Bum." And since some of the most touching love songs were written during the Depression Era, Haran is unbeatable with, "I'm In the Mood For Love," and a softly swaying, "I Only Have Eyes For You," that is pure seduction.Together Haran and Bennett join for, "Sweet and Low," creating passion barely subdued. They also duet with the most emotionally rich, "Lullaby of Broadway," you'll ever hear. "Pennies from heaven" were all many people could only hope for, but the songs that cheered them and reflected their spirit, plus their sassy survival skills, are celebrat! ed in this recording with understanding and sensitive musicianship, bolstered by stellar sidemen. Listen to it once, and you'll listen again, each time, you'll uncover another layer. It's Mary Cleere Haran at her best, and that's saying a lot. -Elizabeth Ahlfors"

Love it

ahlfors@citycabaret.com | 07/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Its one of my favorits - Like Peggy Le"