Bill Charlap - Stardust (2003) [SACD]

There’s a fitting symmetry implicit in Bill Charlap’s latest Blue Note release. It’s a symmetry born from purity of purpose, illuminated on 1 end by the timelessness of Hoagy Carmichael’s Americana, & asserted at the other by the clarity of Charlap’s touch. Charlap negotiates the music of Carmichael as if he’s lived it always – an impressive sleight-of-hand considering the disparate backgrounds from which these jazzmen come: One was inspired by lazy Indiana summers; the other by the fast-break rhythms of New York. What gives the album that extra touch is the special lineup of guest stars like Tony Bennett, Shirley Horn & Jim Hall.
audaud:
No shock but all sorts of awe… Tony Bennett is quoted in the booklet notes: “When we lose our awe, we don’t give the music what it deserves, which means we don’t give ourselves & our fellow musicians & our audiences what they deserve either.” The masterful singer – heard here on I Get Along Without You Very Well – says he’s in complete awe over the phenomenal talents of Charlap & his trio. He makes all these Carmichael standards sound fresh & new with a strong air of the unexpected. Most players would probably consider devoting a whole album to 1 composer – however wide-ranging Carmichael proves to be – was plenty & not even think of bringing in 2 of the greatest singers of the day plus 1 of the greatest jazz guitar masters & a pioneer reeds virtuoso. Each guest gets 1 tune, except for Wess, who cops 2. The recording engineer details how the recording proceeded just like a live session even though it was in a studio environment. Mostly 1st takes. The musicians are all up front but you really feel you’re in the space with them when in multichannel mode.

Tracks:

01. Jubilee
02. I Get Along Without You Very Well (feat. Tony Bennett)
03. Rockin' Chair (feat. Frank Wess)
04. I Walk With Music
05. Two Sleepy People (feat. Jim Hall)
06. The Nearness of You
07. One Morning In May
08. Blue Orchids (feat. Frank Wess)
9. Georgia On My Mind
10. Stardust (feat. Shirley Horn)
11. Skylark

Personnel:

Bass – Peter Washington
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Bill Charlap