Steve Berndt - All Over Again (2014)

All Over Again is the second of a two album set of vocal & piano jazz recordings featuring renowned pianist Brian Browne and produced by vocalist Steve Berndt. The success of 2012's Déjà Vu prompted Steve to produce a follow up recording incorporating unused tracks from the Déjà Vu sessions and a second set of unrehearsed, spontaneous sessions with Brian. In order to create a true “bookend” to Déjà Vu, Steve decided to write a song called All Over Again so both albums would have an original composition as the title track. That the two titles also form the iconic Yogi Berra quote is entirely uncoincidental.

Like Déjà Vu, All Over Again also received years of rotational airplay on CBC Radio 1's national jazz show “Tonic” with Tim Tamishiro and a very favourable review by legendary jazz reviewer Scott Yanow which he published in the LA Jazz Scene:

Two years ago, singer Steve Berndt and pianist Brian Browne teamed up for the excellent duet album Déjà Vu. Their new CD, which in its title completes Yogi Berra’s famous phrase (“Déjà Vu All Over Again”), is even better.

Steve Berndt has a strong voice, a very appealing sound, and is always perfectly-in-tune. He does justice to the words that he interprets (fully understanding the lyrics), which is obvious in his phrasing and his emphasis of certain words. His long tones are a joy and he has a jazz sensibility even when singing fairly straight, always swinging.

Brian Browne is a veteran pianist who has been a major asset on the Canadian jazz scene for quite some time. He is a full rhythm section by himself, and whether leaving space or adding a powerful bassline, he is a perfect match for the singer. The two often seem to think and breathe as one.

The opener, “Our Love Is Here To Stay,” sets the stage for the CD. It begins slow and out-of-tempo with Steve Berndt really getting into the words while Brian Browne contributes some closely attentive piano. By the last part of the first chorus it builds in momentum and is in tempo. Browne plays some excellent swing piano and the piece is cooking by the time Berndt returns. The singer, with some perfectly placed high notes, brings the piece to an exciting conclusion.

The other performances follow similar paths. The team of Berndt and Browne revitalize such songs as “”The More I See You” “Mona Lisa,” a particularly joyful “September In The Rain,” “’Round Midnight” and “Candy.” The songs may be familiar but these renditions are spirited, quietly inventive and full of subtle surprises. A bonus is the title cut, the moody ballad “All Over Again” which is an original well worth hearing.

All Over Again is a classy set that is highly recommended. Scott Yanow, author of 11 books including The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76