Featured Artist: Roger Kellaway

Jazz CD cover CD Title: Remembering Bobby Darin

Year: 2005

Record Label: IPO Recordings

Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic

Musicians: Roger Kellaway (piano); Bruce Forman (guitar); Dan Lutz (bass).

Review: You're not alone if your introduction to the music of Roger Kellaway began with the memorable closing theme of TV's All In The Family. That tune, "Remembering You", has an enduring quality that probably won't be equaled in the near future.

While seldom sitting in the spotlight, Kellaway has recorded consistently for almost four decades with stars ranging from comedian Jack E.Leonard to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Somewhere between the previous extremes, the pianist performed with Diz, Ellington, Natalie Cole, Sonny Rollins and Joni Mitchell. Kellaway met Bobby Darin in St. Louis where the 24-year-old singer was wowing audiences at the Chase Hotel. The year of 1967 marked Kellaway and Darin's musical partnership that continued for two years.

Bobby Darin's music and easygoing style appealed to all musical camps. Rockers, jazz buffs and easy listeners all loved the young singer. This writer has a particular affection for the ATCO album titled Two Of A Kind and which paired Darin with singer / songwriter Johnny Mercer. The young singer's career was sadly cut short and he died in 1973 following heart surgery. He was only 37.

With this album, Roger Kellaway offers his second Bobby Darin tribute within a year. His first CD for IPO recordings presented the pianist in solo performance and the disc was titled I Was There. Kellaway's prowess as a soloist is comparable to giants like Dave McKenna and Dick Hyman. The album received rave reviews.

The Roger Kellaway Trio heralds the piano man's new direction. Feeling comfortable in the piano, guitar and bass trio format, he dazzles the listener with a fresh, new sound. "Splish Splash" finds the trio playing with the rock classic in the way Vince Guaraldi worked the Peanuts themes. Their nine minute reading of "Once Upon A Time" is destined to be a jazz favorite. The trio concept shows its merit too on their swinging treatment of Darin favorites "Beyond The Sea", "Mack The Knife" and a particularly stunning "I'm Beginning To See The Light."

Kudos to guitarist Bruce Forman and bassist Dan Lutz for their stellar performances. Remembering Bobby Darin offers some classy jazz. The album will be released July 26th and Amazon is taking orders now.

Tracks: Remember; Up A Lazy River; I've Found A New Baby; Meditation; More; Splish Splash; Oh! Look At Me Now; Once Upon A Time; I'm Beginning To See The Light; Beyond The Sea; Mack The Knife.

Record Label Website: http://www.iporecordings.com

Artist's Website: http://www.rogerkellaway.com

Listen : @ amazon.com

Reviewed by: Richard Bourcier

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