Suzy: One Country Winner

by Bob Powers

G21 Music Writer

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Bob Powers

Just because jazz reviews fill this space on most weeks doesn't mean that the writer thereof isn't keeping ears attuned to good stuff in other categories. For instance, my first few paragraphs today are devoted to a fine new Christmas album from the delightful country warbler Suzy Bogguss. The jazz fans that stop by every week may be only vaguely aware of Ms. Bogguss, whose talent seems worth much more space in music magazines and at the local store, even those which specialize on the sounds of the South.

The cover of the new Bogguss CD (released on her new record label, Loyal Dutchess Music) shows the winsome redhead looking dazzling, although she's a veteran of the Nashville sound, having spent 12 years on the Capitol label. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" contains a dozen songs of the season, both old favorites and a couple of new ones that should please most tastes.

Bogguss sings with complete sincerity. Her voice might be called serviceable, since she hits all the notes required, but she never attempts to show off. This is a confident young lady who sings each tune on the CD as if it were brand new. There are times during the album's 38 minutes and 40 seconds when the listener may be tempted to hit the replay button before proceeding to the end of the disc.

As the publicity notes point out, the album contains the country aspects of slight, reserved twang or the fiddles and Dobros heard on a couple of songs which drift into the western swing category. There's little argument to be made over the fact that Bogguss , like Shelby Lynn, could easily step over to the pop side of the street. And there's a time or two when she sounds comfortable in a light jazz proceeding.

The album opens with the title song, done with a more lively tempo that one expects to hear. The second track, "Mr. Santa" attaches new lyrics to the old song from that awful group called The Chordettes that once sang on the Arthur Godfrey Show (and who's old enough to remember him?) Helping are the late Chet Atkins and the bluegrass specialist Ricky Skaggs.

The Bogguss version of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" may make you forget all about Gene Autry, whose version has been the top seller of the song over the decades There are two originals, co-written by Bogguss and Doug Crider. "Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree" and "Through Your Eyes." The first will make you smile and tap along, while the second just might steal your tears.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" ranks as the most entertaining Christmas album to come this way in years. And Suzy Bogguss deserves the attention and respect of the industry. She's a winner.

Grover's Early Days

The death of Grover Washington Jr. some months ago came as a distinct shock to his millions of fans. The saxophone genius was still in his 50s. His legacy will stay strong, despite his having been mislabeled as a soul/jazz performer. His music was beautiful and even the syrup that sometimes covered his work (I assume at the insistence of his record company) could not obliterate the beauty of his sound on the alto, soprano and baritone saxophones.

Prestige Records has performed a service to the memory of Washington by reissuing a CD that captured Washington at the beginning of his career. Many will be surprised by the fact that the musician sounded just a good back in 1970-'71 as he did during his wonderfully fluid albums from later times.

The album contains Washington's work with four leaders: Charles Earland, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, Boogaloo Joe Jones and Leon Spencer. My own problem with the album is that Washington didn't receive enough playing time in a CD that contains almost 70 minutes of music.

Washington sounds great every time he gets to solo. The album's finale, the Benny Golson tune called "Killer Joe" will keep listeners smiling while mourning the loss of one of the great saxophone players of the 20th century.

Grover, my man, we likely won't see your like again.

No Hedging on Hedges

Chuck Hedges has been a part of the jazz scene since the 1950's. He worked with a number of jazz legends, including George Brunis, Danny Alvin, and "Muggsy" Spanier. He worked his clarinet magic with Wild Bill Davison for several years. Today Hedges works the festival circuit, doing shows in both the U.S. and overseas.

Hedges is, according to jazz critic Michael G. Nastos, "one ofthe greatest living clarinetists"on the American scene. Unfortunately, Hedges hasn't been involved in many recording sessions. But Arbors Records, the Florida company that seems to hold the market on swing music, has just released a new Hedges album.

"Just for Fun" will provide ample evidence of fun on the clarinet in a laid-back and delightfully entertaining album. Backed by pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Paul Kellen and drummer Ed Metz, Jr., Hedges gets plenty of space to attest to the fact that that smooth sound he makes deserves all sorts of accolades. Hedges manages to make all of the 15 tracks measure up to the highest standards.

The tune list contains nothing but standards. The album opens with Cole Porter's "Night and Day" and winds up with a Hedges chart, "Just for Fun." My favorite is Nina Simone's "Nina Never Knew," which isn't heard often enough these days.

If you have a favorite aunt or uncle who digs swing, "Just for You" would make a terrific gift under the Christmas tree.

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