Recorded on Valentine's Day 2004 at Platinum Seven Studios in Pennsylvania,
Art of the Heart -- a low-key, graceful, and heartfelt dual project by acoustic bassist
Eddie Gómez and pianist
Mark Kramer -- features soft, classical/jazz hybrid interpretations of songs popularized by
Johnny Mathis,
Frank Sinatra, and
Nat King Cole and written by the likes of Charlie Chaplin (a beautiful "Smile"), Rodgers & Hammerstein, Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, and
Cole Porter. Best known for his work with Bill Evans,
Gómez's performance throughout is reminiscent of his work with the pianist but plumbs much greater emotional depth thanks to the soulful playing by
Kramer. The interpretations they have created here are a marvelous study in musical communication, joyful ensembling, minimalism, and spacious "orchestration." If you like a little impressionism with your pop standards, this will seem like a masterpiece. ~ Jonathan Widran