This project in tribute to composer
Hoagy Carmichael is a true labor of love, as trumpeter
Dick Sudhalter and friends explore a host of
Carmichael's songs -- famous, obscure, and in between. The cast of musicians and singers changes from track to track, with trombonist Tom Artin and reed player
Dan Levinson; a solid rhythm section including either
Benny Aronov or
Bob Dorough on piano, guitarist
Howard Alden, bassist
Jim Ferguson, and drummer Joe Cocuzzo; and arrangements by either Sy Johnson or Keith Nichols.
Dorough is at his best with a very campy vocal in "New Orleans." The sweet southern voice of
Ferguson in "Georgia on My Mind" is combined in a warm medley with
Barbara Lea's beautiful interpretation of "Can't Get Indiana off My Mind," while they exchange vocals in a mesmerizing take of
Carmichael's best-known work, "Star Dust." Unfortunately, the duet between the craggy-voiced
Dorough and
Lea in an old-fashioned waltz arrangement doesn't quite come off. The playful treatment of the little-known "What Kind o' Man Is You" (with lyrics by
Carmichael) features
Lea supported by
Ferguson's swinging bass and
Sudhalter's delicious muted trumpet. Instrumentals aren't ignored, with a gently loping "Snowball" and a classic jazz chestnut "Manhattan Rag." This well-conceived project should be considered essential by anyone who enjoys the works of the great
Hoagy Carmichael. ~ Ken Dryden