Marin Mazzie - Opposite You (2005)

Singers Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley are not only both veterans of many Broadway musicals and duo performances in concert settings, but they are also married to one another. Their first recording together covers a wide variety of music that has been sung on-stage over the decades. They restore the frequently omitted verse to Fats Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose" (a common sin among jazz vocalists) and interact with one another as they make the most of Andy Razaf's playful lyrics, backed by pianist David Loud's swinging accompaniment. The musical backing is expanded to include a small orchestra

for a medley of favorites by Harold Arlen, culminating in an enchanting interpretation of "That Old Black Magic." They also have a lot of fun with a romp through "Nellie the Nudist Queen." The couple chooses less familiar works from Stephen Sondheim's vast songbook, interacting as if they are on-stage instead of in the studio for an audience consisting of musicians and technicians. Both vocalists are in great form throughout these sessions. It is disappointing that the individual musicals that featured each of these songs are not mentioned anywhere within the CD booklet, but this omission should not detract from this outstanding release. ~ Ken Dryden

Scott Kuney (guitar, banjo, ukulele); Marilyn Reynolds, Paul Woodiel (violin); David Creswell, Danielle Farina (viola); Vivian Israel (cello); Brian Miller (flute, piccolo); Owen Kotler (clarinet); Bill Meredith (oboe, English horn); David Loud (piano); Peter Donovan (bass instrument); Bruce Doctor (drums, percussion).