For one of
Dave Grusin's most jazz-oriented film scores, the music used in
The Fabulous Baker Boys (and included on this CD) has fairly straight-ahead originals played by a sextet (plus strings) that includes
Grusin's keyboards, tenor saxophonist
Ernie Watts and guitarist
Lee Ritenour. In addition,
Mercer Ellington put together a big band to perform "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me,"
the Earl Palmer Trio plays "Lullaby of Birdland," and a 1936 recording of
the Benny Goodman Quartet performing "Moonglow" is utilized. But the real surprise of the movie (and the CD) is that actress
Michelle Pfeiffer does a credible job singing "Makin' Whoopee" and "My Funny Valentine." ~ Scott Yanow