In a minimalist ode to ‘60s pop given a jazz spin, respected bassist Jon Burr and jazz stylist Lynn Stein offer some smoky treatments of familiar songs like “All the Things You Are” and “How Can I Be Sure” among others on this easy listen album.

Burr, who has worked with some of today’s best-known singers including Tony Bennett and Barbara Cook, is used to stepping back and letting the vocalist shine. With minimal solo riffs here, he does the same on much of this low-key album. This allows partner Lynn Stein’s soft alto to shine on some intelligent arrangements, making for a very mellow listen. An understated singer with nice phrasing, Stein brings a sameness to her songs here, almost making them sound like one. For instance, the album’s first three cuts, “Never My Love,” “If I Only Had a Heart” and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” all sound quite alike and call for more imagination. That jazz classic “Angel Eyes,” a languid tune to begin with, is slowed to a snail’s pace here. This is not to say Stein is not capable of more musical adventure. Meaningful readings on “Cry Me a River” and “The Folks Who Live on the Hill” make for exceptional cuts that recall Julie London’s whispery delivery. Burr’s shining bass solos (also mellow) are on the money and the whole disc would benefit from more of his fluid driving line as on the aforementioned cuts.

While some of it may recall elevator music of a bygone era, it’s a quality ride by two pros who just need a little more pizazz to go with all that jazz. That once-lively ‘sixties anthem, “Downtown,” needs much more of this. The message of the song exudes excitement and that’s what is needed here to establish a stronger musical identity by two talented artists just getting their feet wet in recording together.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
June 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org