As Close To Perfection As They Come
Aaron "Smokey" Arnold | Austin, TX | 03/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have just about every cd Becky Kilgore has ever recorded, and I never thought they would all be topped. Well, whattya know? Yes, THIS HER BEST CD TO DATE!!! Perhaps the finest recordings of the genre this entire decade. This combination, her, David Frishberg's sophisticatingly charming accompaniment, and the music of Frank Loesser, can only be described as one made in heaven. Kilgore has a unique common bond with Julie London and June Christy, being that she can work pure magic with sparse backing, often better than a great jazz vocalist can do with a big band behind her or him. All you need as a piano, though having one of the greatest alive certainly is an asset. As the liner notes say, it was not an easy task to pick seventeen songs out of Loesser's over 700 compositions, and they've managed to do so, picking the perfect sample, while making the listener long for a follow up. It comes on strong with "Thank Your Lucky Stars," injecting a gallon of adrenaline to light up any listener's room, and then seeming to come out of left field with the less commercially safe introduction of "Let's Get Lost." Merely hinting on the risqué, the rendition emphasizes a lively romantic dream potential. Then it gets mellow with the lovely "Can't Get Out Of This Mood." "The Lady's In Love With You" has always seemed like it was written for Becky Kilgore, and her latest rendition is complimented beautifully by David Frishberg's solo, which echoes of James P. Johnson's freely loose style, only to close with a endearing vocal coda. "Say It (Over And Over Again)" is simply grand, like it came out of a show in which a large, over choreographed, grand scale number was substituted for an opportunity to emphasize a great song by way of a simple presentation, warranting a standing ovation. Then it gets sweetly satirical with "Then I Wrote The Minuet In G," which has a place among the great big band era recordings of the classics (Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Sonata," Tommy Dorsey's "Song Of India," and Les Brown's "Bizet Has His Day" just to name a few). Up to now, all I could tell you if you asked me to name a song from THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, I would only say "Big D" and of course "Standing On The Corner." That's forever changed by this memorable knockout rendition of "Somebody Somewhere." I was totally unfamiliar with "The Moon Of Manakoora" though I now wonder if better rendition can possibly exist. Of course, I can't say the same about "Slow Boat To China," though I've never heard it this endearing, with a rendition that makes every word so meaningful, and a piano solo rides on the cheerful melody like flying through the sky. "I Wish I Didn't Love You So" is worlds away from Vaughn Monroe's rendition, with a touch of r & b in Becky's voice, and some vocal acrobatics I never knew the song had potential for. Another more limitedly known of the writer's compositions (a pun would be too easy), "Says My Heart" comes on in a manner that seems odd on this cd, and is a bit of a phony introduction, resulting in sheer brilliance on the part of Dave Frishberg, complimented by Kilgore's swinging style. It doesn't have to be December to find this version of "What Are You Doing New Years Eve" timely. About three quarters of the way through, the real showstopper, "Sand In My Shoes" comes in, and knocks your socks off. It's among the more obscure selections, and it's simply ripe for the picking, and the fruits of the labor are delicious. "What A Rhumba Does To Romance" has a great way of going in and out of the rhumba mode, with a steady sense of love and a touch of humor conveyed beautifully by both artists. Then there's the title track, a forgotten ditty from the Fred Astaire/Betty Hutton movie musical LET'S DANCE, with a mystique filled introduction, followed by an earnest delivery of a heartfelt request, and another piano solo that flows like an enchanting woodland set creek. The fact that Becky and Dave's version of "I Believe In You" holds a candle to Anita O'Day's is compliment enough, yet to be on par, which it is, is downright amazing. The vocal intro, or "verse" as they say, is icing on the cake. You couldn't ask for a grander finale than "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat." It's pure gold, in every song, in every note. Both lead performers have had colorful prosperous careers, and now they've reached a new pinnacle with this masterpiece."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1