Mark Murphy - Once to Every Heart (2005)

Beyond merely skilled, beyond the horizon of hip, past the narrow classification of "jazz singer," Mark Murphy has, for decades, given listeners breathtaking performances that underscore the very heart of song itself. Once to Every Heart was produced by ace flügelhorn master Till Bronner; it is a collection of torch songs and ballads showcasing the subtle side of Murphy's gift and in essence offering an aural glimpse of its totality. Murphy plays piano and did the vocal, piano, and horn arrangements with Bronner and Frank Chastenier. And the orchestra -- quietly providing a backdrop rather than swirling around the singer -- was conducted and arranged by Nan Schwartz. The material is choice. There are some originals in the set: Murphy wrote "I Know You from Somewhere," while Bronner wrote "Our Game" with Rob Hoare. Standouts include the medley of "When I Fall in Love" and "My One and Only Love," with Murphy allowing the melody to seep deeply into his phrasing and delivery in general. The reading of Duke Ellington's "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me" is one of the finest, most unsentimental and burningly sensual versions of the song ever recorded. The seamless transition in the medley of "Skylark" and "You Don't Know What Love Is" is smoky, sophisticated, and truly amazing. The album's closer, "Our Love Is Here to Stay," by George Gershwin, is introduced by Bronner and is simply beguiling and mischievous. Ultimately, this is Murphy's finest recording in over a decade, and should be embraced by anyone with a remote interest in great singers, and by those who are deeply attached to ballads or torch tomes. This is essential listening.