Harry Connick, Jr Occasion: Connick On Piano, Vol. 2 CD

New Orleans-based jazz musician and crooner Harry Connick, Jr. has suffered a fair degree of criticism from jazz aficionados for his commercially oriented vocal outings. Borrowing a great deal from the style of Frank Sinatra, Connick's vocal albums are well crafted and listenable, if not always adventurous. Those critics will have cause to button their lips, however, because Connick has released OCCASION: CONNICK ON PIANO, VOL. 2 (the follow-up to 2003's OTHER HOURS: CONNICK ON PIANO, VOL. 1), a dazzling instrumental outing that emphasizes the artist's improvisational chops.

To make matters even better, Connick has collaborated here with fellow New Orleans native and saxophonist extraordinaire Branford Marsalis. One of the finest horn players of his generation, Marsalis has a bold tone, broad range, and an admirably adventurous approach to the tenor and soprano sax. Marsalis contributes two tunes here, the lightly swinging title track and "Steve Lacy," a lovely, plaintive tribute to the great soprano saxophonist. The rest of the compositions are by Connick, and reveal his too-often-overlooked technical expertise and keen ear for melody. The rapport between the two is intelligent, sensitive, and never less than engaging, making OCCASION one of the best offerings in Connick's discography.

Liner Note Author: Harry Connick, Jr.

Recording information: Hayti Heritage Center, Durham, NC (03/04/2005-03/06/2005).

Personnel: Harry Connick, Jr. (piano); Harry Connick, Jr.; Branford Marsalis (saxophone).

Audio Mixer: Rob "Wacko" Hunter.

Down Beat (p.86) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[I]t has significant entertainment value since both musicians are engaging instrumental conversationalists."
JazzTimes (p.63) - "Simultaneously cerebral and playful, and with hands chock full of inventiveness, Connick uses this release to explore space and harmony with a wonderfully sympathetic partner..."