| Chanson |
Here is an album that you won’t hear on Bayou Blue Radio, at least not in our current version that favors more contemporary jazz. However, when we move to FM, this type of album will be featured alongside others in a special show on album releases. This crooner, with an extremely classic style, is also fascinating in his interpretations, but let’s admit it: all it takes is to listen to the version of “Come Fly with Me” to be charmed and amused by that “oldies” touch, so well mastered, which isn’t within the reach of just any artist. Revisiting his 2001 recording of Sammy Cahn, long out of print, the original album has been remixed, reimagined, and enriched. This reflects both Harnar’s desire to broaden his perspective on the famous lyricist’s work—with new tracks featuring special appearances by Clint Holmes, MOIPEl, and Grammy-winner Nicole Zuraitis—and his own evolution as an artist and performer.
And frankly, the work done is totally impressive. We find ourselves in a joyful musical comedy atmosphere, much like those some of us may have seen on television in our childhood in Europe. Needless to say, the poetic and romantic side reaches its peak here…
In terms of numbers, Sammy Cahn is one of the greatest American songwriters: he won the most Oscars for Best Song, nearly 100 titles recorded by Frank Sinatra, and was the highest-paid songwriter of his time. Working largely with composers Jule Styne and Jimmy Van Heusen, Cahn produced lyrics that were by turns romantic, witty, and impactful, with a touch of melancholy that touched millions of hearts. Songs such as “Come Fly with Me,” “All the Way,” and “I Fall in Love Too Easily”—all included here—have become an integral part of the national heritage. Originally a stage show, Harnar’s tribute to Cahn was praised by the New York Times and prompted Liza Minnelli to exclaim: “I wish Sammy could have heard this; he would have loved it. I certainly do.” Now, with Alex Rybeck—Harnar’s musical director and pianist for over 40 years—providing arrangements for the preserved tracks of the original album and the five newly recorded ones, this celebration of a pillar of the Great American Songbook becomes all the sweeter over time: more beautiful, as Cahn himself wrote, the second time around.
Sometimes, diving back into works from the past without distorting them can also be rewarding, but in this case, it demands artistic excellence, as here, where I became passionate about the musical arrangements of this album. Having a background in classical music, it’s hard not to appreciate the handling of strings, flutes, and other instruments, which is just as remarkable as the overall production of this album, which takes us back to a happy and carefree time. Jeff Harnar’s art, like that of artists such as Wynton Marsalis, keeps the musical traditions of jazz alive. Of course, some will surely be allergic to this syrupy style, but all it takes is to open your ears to change your way of thinking. In the meantime, this album is certainly a lovely “Coup de Cœur” that we hope will touch yours as well…
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 7th 2024
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