Search - Nancy Marano :: You're Nearer

Distinctive arrangements of old standards

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 06/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nancy developed an enthusiasm for jazz at an early age and it shows in this album, for which she was responsible for the arrangements of nine of the twelve songs. From the opening track (Nice work if you can get it, a familiar song with an unfamiliar arrangement), it is clear that Nancy was determined to do the songs her way. She has developed a following in Holland through the years, so it is appropriate that this album was recorded in Holland with talented Dutch musicians. Nancy plays piano on the title track and Detour ahead. The other musicians are Rob van Bavel (piano on remaining tracks), Hans van Oosterhout (drums), Marius Beets (bass), Maarten van der Grinten (guitar), Ilja Reijmgoud (trombone) and Angelo Verploegen (flugelhorn).Most of the songs are from the golden age of the Great American Songbook. Many singers have recorded the title track (a Rodgers and Hart song) including Frances Langford in the thirties, Jeri Southern in the fifties and June Christy in the sixties. Nancy's version brings this excellent song up to date for a new generation of listeners. Some of the other songs will also be familiar to jazz fans, most notably Nice work if you can get it (a top ten hit in 1937 for Shep Fields but a number one hit in 1938 for Fred Astaire), The shining sea (a Peggy Lee song), Summer song (a Dave Brubeck song), The meaning of the blues and Detour ahead (two oft-recorded standards). Look for the silver lining was a 1921 number one hit for Marion Harris, which has since been covered by Margaret Whiting (on her Jerome Kern tribute album), Rosemary Clooney (on her Mothers and daughters album), Susannah McCorkle (on her album, From broken hearts to blue skies), Aretha Franklin (on her album of standards) and many other fine singers. Much rarer is Love with the proper stranger, a Bernstein-Mercer composition, though it has been recorded by Neil Diamond (on his album of movie songs) and Jack Jones.Nancy is a fine singer, well able to sing both ballads and up-tempo songs, who brings something new to old songs. If you enjoy jazz vocal music, give Nancy's music a listen."

FANTASTIC! A MUST HAVE!

Peter Durward Harris | 04/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a must have for your jazz collection. Nancy Marano sings with impeccable pitch, and moves the listener to new emotional places with her vocals. The song selection is wonderful---taking the listener back to jazz standards as well as singing more obscure songs. Few jazz singers today sing as well as Nancy Marano! You will definitely be missing out if you don't purchase You're Nearer."

A Recording to Play and Play Again

Peter Durward Harris | 03/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nancy Marano's new CD, "You're Nearer," is a stunning
achievement, and a major artistic statement from a jazz singer
who has always had the respect of her colleagues in the music
field, but who hasn't yet received the public acclaim which
she so rightly deserves. This new CD will be hard to surpass
as the best jazz vocal recording of 2004. It's that good! First, the singing. Nancy has a lovely, rich voice,
showing a palette of colors, displaying great time and a wide
range. Listen and enjoy her reaching for those low notes on
"The Shining Sea" and "Bittersweet." Hear how hard she can
swing on "Nice Work If You Can Get It." Nancy did all but
three of the arrangments on the recording, and it is these
charts, fresh, inventive, and surprising, which I think,
are the key to the CD's success. Also refreshing, are the
song selections. I haven't heard anyone other than Jack Jones
tackle "Love With The Proper Stranger" by Elmer Bernstein
and Johnny Mercer. Nor have many singers recorded Dave and
Iola Brubeck's "Summer Song." The players, all exceptional Dutch musicians, are wonderful.
Rob van Pavel's piano work shines on "The Shining Sea." He
really paints a seacoast setting with his work. Nancy plays
piano for herself on "Detour Ahead" as well as on the title
track. In her hands, she turns this Rodgers & Hart jewel
into a quiet affirmation of lasting love, concluding the
album on a serene and comforting note. All of Nancy's previous CDs have been great, but this one
is very special. Listen to it; you won't be disappointed."