Clarinetist
Karl-Heinz Steffens and pianist
David Gazarov chose an all-jazz program for their second album together, Lush Life, with
Steffens showing an affinity for the genre that belies his Classical career.
Steffens doesn't do quite as mush improvising as
Gazarov, but he holds his own with the more jazz-oriented
Gazarov. The two mix vocal, instrumental jazz, and Brazilian standards for a collection that is playful, laidback, and elegant. Tracks like the opening I'm Beginning to See the Light and I Mean You swing, free from care. Oleo is the most playful and a showcase for
Gazarov's talent. The title track is much more intimately delivered than it usually is by singers. At the end of the song, where singers tend to raise their voices against cruel fate,
Steffens and
Gazarov draw the pain inward. My Man's Gone Now and The Song Is You are also contrary to normal. The
Gershwin contains the drama of its operatic setting but with a swaying rhythm added to it and with
Steffens getting an extended chance to improvise. As for The Song Is You, the featured song in the film The Saddest Music in the World, here it's quite upbeat and untroubled. The
Jobim tunes are not too different from the originals, the clarinet making a good substitute for the sax, and I'm Old-Fashioned certainly takes the sentiment to heart. The other meaning of the phrase "Lush Life" seems to suit the way
Steffens and
Gazarov enjoy these tunes and playing with each other.