Andre Previn is so well-regarded in the 20th century as a classical composer and conductor that it's easy to forget his early days in jazz, when he played with such artists as Billie Holliday,
Benny Goodman,
Shelly Manne,
Dizzy Gillespie, and
Ella Fitzgerald. He was also active as a writer and arranger for
Count Basie,
Woody Herman, and
Goodman. He's been making jazz albums for half a century, but has only on occasion released a true live date -- which makes this spirited duet recording with bassist
David Finck such a treat.
Previn draws from a wide range of classic tunes and throws in a few new compositions. He gives
Gerry Mulligan's "Westwood Walk" an air of strutting confidence, an attitude he carries over to his own highly percussive piece "Hi Blondie." "My Funny Valentine" has been done perhaps a million times, but
Previn and
Finck bring out a quiet elegance that makes it sound as charming and fresh as ever. Seems like they're pretty intent on keeping the improvisations and energetic runs at the core because the minute they've lulled listeners into romantic complacency, they spruce up
Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" into what seems like a potent relay race. Same pattern occurs later when
Previn follows the eloquent "Bye Bye Sky" (written by his teenage son Lukas) with the playful and spry "Batter Up." There are also classics by
Billy Strayhorn ("Chelsea Bridge") and
Duke Ellington ("Come Sunday"), and what would a jazz album be without a little Gershwin. The set closes with exciting renditions of "Oh, Lady Be Good" and "I Got Rhythm." ~ Jonathan Widran