Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman - Spring (2026)

Tierney Sutton, vocals; Tamir Hendelman, piano.

Award-winning jazz pianist, Tamir Hendelman has joined forces with nine-time Grammy nominated vocalist, Tierney Sutton. This is her 17th album as a leader or co-leader and her very first duo project. Sutton and Hendelman are longtime collaborators and friends.

In 2018, The duet toured Japan, so they have a certain comfort level working together.

“There are only a couple of pianists I really love to work with in a duo setting. Tamir is one of my favorites. He’s an encyclopedia of songs, and nobody swings harder,” Sutton praises the talented pianist.

This past Valentine’s Day they posted a musical wish to all the lovers worldwide.

I love the way they interact on Jobim’s famed “Waters of March” composition. Sutton’s voice becomes a flute, a percussive instrument, a teller of stories, an improviser that blends, like sugar and butter in a sweet cake bowl, with Tamir’s wonderful and creative accompaniment. His piano reminds me of a music box I once owned with a ballerina that twirled on top. The tinkling keys in the upper register work together with Tierney’s tinkling tones

Her interpretation of the classic ballad, “I Get Along Without You Very Well” speaks to a melancholy relationship. Sutton takes her time and tells the passionate story of heartache with deliberate compassion. Next, she and Hendelman explore the Peggy Lee swing tune called “Things Are Swingin’.” Tamir’s piano solo bounces with swing and playfulness.

But getting back to the theme song of “Spring” They have picked a handful of songs that celebrate this season, like the melodic Dori Caymmi and Tracy Mann tune, “Spring” and the familiar “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most.” I love their duet expression on this song. Tamir Hendelman is always so spontaneous and free during his improvisations. Sutton’s interpretation of this standard jazz tune is very beautiful and intriguing.

They tackle Frank Loesser’s “Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year” and another less known tune called “Spring, Spring, Spring” written by Gene de Paul & Johnny Mercer. But another one of my favorites is the popular “You Must Believe in Spring” where Sutton includes a previously unheard verse written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who were friends of the vocalist for a couple of precious decades.

This is music that reminds me of sitting at a piano bar, sipping cocktails somewhere exotic, and enjoying two master musicians who remind me how the simplicity of blending excellence, emotion and mastery can make the moments fade away and sooth the listening heart.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil