This is a very logical release.
Bobby Troup, like
Dave Frishberg and
Bob Dorough in later years and
Hoagy Carmichael before him, was a notable songwriter, a fine pianist, and a personable singer. His music and personality seemed to epitomize the West Coast jazz scene of the 1950s, even though he survived for decades afterwards, often working as an actor.
Mark Winkler has a complementary style, is a notable songwriter himself, and, although he does not play piano professionally, he is wise enough to surround himself with top musicians. On his enjoyable set,
Winkler performs some of
Troup's best-known hits (including "Route 66," "Baby, Baby All the Time," "Girl Talk," and "Meaning of the Blues"), a few joyful novelties ("Three Bears," which was a hit for
Page Cavanaugh, "Hungry Man," and "Lemon Twist"), and such obscurities as "One October Morning,"
Troup's words to
Gerry Mulligan's "Walkin' Shoes," and
Troup's collaboration with
Matt Dennis, "Learn to Love." In addition,
Winkler closes the set with a tribute that he co-wrote with
Jon Mayer, "Two Guys from the Coast." The instrumentation and personnel change from track to track. Along the way, pianist
Jon Mayer, organist Joe Bagg, guitarist
Anthony Wilson, tenor saxophonist
Bob Sheppard, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummers Roy McCurdy and Mark Feber offer
Winkler swinging and sympathetic support. Throughout the well-paced set,
Mark Winkler does
Bobby Troup and his music justice. ~ Scott Yanow