Bill Charlap Somewhere: The Songs Of Leonard Bernstein CD

Composer songbook albums performed by jazz instrumentalists are nothing new, but pianist Bill Charlap's takes on the exuberant and tender tunes of Leonard Bernstein make for an inspired addition to this tradition. From the opening trill on drummer Kenny Washington's hi-hat, "Cool" (from WEST SIDE STORY) kicks off the proceedings, crackling with excitement. The entire track is superb, and makes one wonder why this song has not become a standard.

The performers stretch out, listening intently to one another and coming up with a fine mini-opus on "Glitter and Be Gay" (from CANDIDE), a tune that sports the more European side of Bernstein's style. As groups are wont to do after having logged many musical miles together, Charlap's trio exudes an overall rhythmic adventurousness throughout the set. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than the playfully off-kilter "America," popularized by Rita Moreno in WEST SIDE STORY, which includes tasty Ahmad Jamal-esque chording by Charlap. "Lonely Town," "Lucky to Be Me," and, especially, "Some Other Time" remind listeners that Charlap and company approach ballads with a rarefied delicacy; these tunes truly sing. With smart arrangements, witty musical asides, and a broad dynamic and expressive range, the Bill Charlap Trio creates classic jazz for the 21st century.

Recorded at The Hit Factory, New York, New York on October 15 & 16, 2003. Includes liner notes by John Guare.

Personnel: Bill Charlap (piano); Kenny Washington (drums).

Audio Mixer: Joel Moss .

Liner Note Authors: John Guare; Joel Moss .

Recording information: The Hit Factory, New York, NY (10/15/2003/10/16/2003).

Photographer: Donald Dietz.

Arranger: Bill Charlap.

Personnel: Bill Charlap (piano); Peter Washington (bass); Kenny Washington (drums).

Mojo (Publisher) (p.108) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[T]he results are tremendous....An album full of highlights..."