Musicians: The Anthony Wilson Trio, Jon Mayer's Trio
Review: During the fifties and sixties, one of the most popular singers of that time comes in the name of Bobby Troup. The highly sophisticated manner and approach to his music was superceded only by his reputation as a swinger. Troup had a mesmerizing presence that made him a much sought after commodity when it came to the ladies. As a pianist, Bobby carried the lyrical impressions of his craft to a level few can imagine by today's standards. His compositions produced some of the most memorable songs ever to hit the charts. They were known for their freshness, but jazz was only a small part of Troup's repertoire. His entire career touched a variety of styles, swing and popular standards played a role in his music as well. He also produced numerous hits for his wife Julie London. She became popular as a vocalist singing show tunes, traditional standards and cool jazz. In examining the career of Bobby Troup, his overall impact on jazz is seldom heard or stressed nowadays; but if one musician has any say, that oversight will soon be corrected. Bobby's music is going to be introduced to an entirely new generation of fans with the newly recorded effort entitled 'Mark Winkler Sings Bobby Troup.'
As an award-winning songwriter, Mark Winkler has contributed his much sought after skills to such artists as Dianne Reeves, Randy Crawford, Nancy Wilson, David Benoit and Liza Minelli. In addition, he has either worked or recorded with Peter White, Joe Sample, Boney James and Billie Childs; however, his finest work may be found in his latest CD. One of Mark's greatest influences has been Bobby Troup, to whom he has chosen to honor as a labor of love. In listening to this release, the recording adds a totally new dimension to vocal jazz.
Paying tribute to such a phenomenal talent as Bobby Troup was not an easy undertaking. Mark had to be attentive to the captivating affect and appeal Troup's music had on his fans. Those connoisseurs having had the opportunity to experience Bobby's long-standing career, will tell you this was not something that could be taken lightly. With that in mind, Mark Winkler's homage had to grab the very essence of Bobby's music without sounding impersonal and jaded. Mark accomplished that on such tunes as "Route 66," "Three Bears" and "Girl Talk." In the end, he forwarded 13 tracks of musical magic. Each one has endured the test Bobby's remarkable achievements as an arranger composer, pianist and vocalist. The spirit of Bobby Troup was captured as well. With a fine array of ultra strong sidemen at his disposal, Mark Winkler carries listeners on a finely-tuned journey towards vocally activated excellence. He even adds a sidebar of blues influenced logic with a song entitled "Meaning of the Blues," which adds additional flair to the conceptualized idea. On every track, Mark Winkler's vocals are just as meaningful as the original. In doing what he has chosen to do, his talents as an arranger and interpreter of song have been magnified significantly. Collectively, the mixing and matching of songs attached to this release do a fine job of capturing the art of Bobby Troup. In the final analysis, even the artist himself would be proud of 'Mark Winkler Sings Bobby Troup.'
Tracks: Hungry Man, You're Looking At Me, Three Bears, Lemon Twist, Meaning of the Blues, Route 66, Baby, Baby All the Time, Walkin' Shoes, Learn to Love, One October Morning, Girl Talk, A Young Man Is Gone, Two Guys From the Coast
JazzReview.com
