Musicians: PJ Parker (vocals), Vinnie Ruggieri (piano), Earl Sauls (bass), Tim Horner (drums), Coleman Mellett (guitar), Joel Frahm (tenor and soprano sax)
Review: For her third recording, singer PJ Parker includes an unpublished song by her late father. It was written decades ago. She found it, liked it and wrote lyrics. The number (also the CD’s name): Dreams Are Meant for Two. About the song, she says, “I felt a deep sense that this lovely melody had been written to and for my Mom, and more than likely before their marriage.”
Her feelings come across. It is a lovely song, full of genuine emotion; she does it justice in her soft, rich voice. In this session, she also contributes two originals to go along with a tasteful collection of standards. Accompanying her are five fine musicians – Vinnie Ruggieri on piano, Earl Sauls, bass, Tim Horner, drums, Coleman Mellett, guitar, and Joel Frahm on soprano and tenor saxophone.
As with “Dreams,” Parker does her best on the slow tunes. This is particularly true on two -- “Then I’ll Be Tired of You,” with Ruggieri’s music box piano effects adding poignancy here; and “Long Ago and Far Away,” her casually swinging scat vocal on this aided by Mellett’s guitar accompaniment are highlights. On “Black Coffee,” Frahm’s soprano adds an effective noirish mood.
When Parker goes up-tempo on “Let’s Fall in Love” and “The Song is You,” though, she gets a little tongue-tied with the lyrics. However, Frahm’s alto and Horner’s drum exchanges save the latter.
Accolades do go to her own “Love Is a Logistical Things.” The catchy lyrics and charming, lightly swinging vocal are a pleasure. And, again, Frahm’s lyrical noodling on alto, along with Ruggieri’s jaunty piano are irresistible.
Her father’s memory are properly honored on the CD.
Tracks: Moonglow, Angel Eyes, Long Ago (And Far Away), Then I'll Be Tired of You, Black Coffee, Old Devil Moon, So What Do You Say?, Let's Fall in Love, Until It's Time for You to Go/If You Go Away, Love Me or Leave Me. The Song Is You, In Passing Years, In the Wee Small Hours, Love's a Logistical Thing, Dreams Are Meant for Two
JazzReview.com
