Skitch Returns, With Strings

by Bob Powers

G21 Music Writer

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Bob Powers

MARIETTA, OH, USA - You could easily win the Scrooge contest for Unhappiest Individual of 2002 if you are able to avoid smiling while listening to the first CD by pianist Skitch Henderson in many years.

I see that several of you are saying, "Who the hell is Skitch Henderson?" That's understandable, since Henderson was a major name in popular music a long, long time ago. Don't let the fact that he'll become 83 in late January suggest that he's not up to snuff on his musical p's and q's. Mr. Henderson may have been keeping a low profile for some time, but you'll have trouble detecting any diminished capacities.

The pianist's hands are in nimble condition and he propels much younger accompanist's in what will undoubtedly become one of my favorite CDs of the New Year. "Swinging With Strings" (Arbors Records) provides an ample portion of swing and jazz, played with precision, warmth by just plain devoted musicians led by a true veteran.

Henderson chose a stellar group of goodies for his first CD in years. And the backing musicians (several who have been around nearly as long as Henderson) provide wonderful sounds that will keep toes tapping for months to come. Two of these supporting players are vibraphone dandy Peter Appleyard and the marvelous guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. Those two fellows seem inspired by the general good times created on this album and they play themselves into a whirligig that elicits smiles from Boston to Los Angeles.

Also in the band are guitarist Gene Bertoncini, bassist Nick Parrott, and drummer Joe Ascione. The string players are Matt Glaser, Darol Anger, Sara Caswell and Glenn Basham.

Henderson chooses to open the session with a genuine oldie, the cute and clever "Japanese Sandman." Other warhorses include "My Gal Sal," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Lady, Be Good." The session moves along with outstanding charts of more favorites from long ago, including "Lover Man," "Easy Living," "Goody Goody" and "C-Jam Blues."

There's a refreshing lack of showing off in "Swinging with Strings." These performers don't require proving their prowess. Everybody aboard has ability out the wazoo and doesn't need to show off to prove anything. The result is arraignments that pay first attention to the songs and still give the players an opportunity to prove (as if they needed to) that they're as good as it gets.

Sixteen songs make up the album, with Henderson in charge of matters and playing solo moments here and there.

I personally would have liked to hear a bit more from the man who worked with such names as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. You can't mention more important names than those two. Henderson also joined Steve Allen on the original Tonight Show band at NBC early in its run. He retired for a while when Jack Paar took over hosting duties, but went back to the show after Johnny Carson became the head man. Henderson spent a number of years as director of the New York Pops and now also tours overseas, leading a number of pop or classical orchestras.

"Swinging With Strings" is simply sensational. If you love the old favorites, like a touch of jazz and swing, this album will provide many hours of happy times.

Music Business Not So Hot

Jeff Leeds wrote last week about the sad state of today's music business. His article in the Los Angeles Times shows that changes are taking place as record companies attempt to stem the flow of red ink. It's a pretty grim report.

You may have read about pop diva Mariah Carey signing a deal with EMI group, one of the biggest record companies, that called for $80 million for four albums. Then her movie "Glitter" came out and did essentially no business. Leeds and others have reported that EMI is trying to buy out Carey's contract, signed not all that long ago. Release of "Glitter," her first album under the EMI deal, proved to be a dud.

Record companies may have sold about 20 million fewer albums here in America in 2001. Worldwide, sales are falling at the same rate.

EMI reported a loss of $77.6 million in the first half of 2001. Most labels are struggling, according to the Leeds article in the L.A. Times. Universal Music is the only company in the top five conglomerates to report gains.

Some very big names have been a part in the flops that have shaken the industry.

Mick Jagger's latest solo effort has been a dud.

Grammy winner Shelby Lynne saw her second CD under a new contract do disappointing sales.

Rod Stewart didn't enchant listeners with his new release.

Newcomers acts Adema and the Strokes have been flops.

Even a household name such as R.E.M. could rustle up only 400,000 copies of its latest release. Another $2.5 million came in from the rest of the world. "Reveal" had a promotion campaign in the $3 million vicinity.

Astonishing is the swoon done by Macy Gray's latest release. "The Id" followed her smash debut, which brought the quirky singer worldwide renown. But "The Id" has performed poorly, selling only 800,000 worldwide. Her label anticipated sales doubling that level.

It Could Be Big

I wouldn't be so rash as to predict success for a forthcoming four CD boxed set, due out in February, from Nancy Wilson. The Ohio-born singer's original label, Capitol Records, calls the set "The Essence of Nancy Wilson." EMI, which provided me with a sampler CD, believes this one could strike gold with both jazz and pop fans across the globe.

The opening track, Buddy Johnson's great old song, "Since I Fell for You," comes from the earliest part of Wilson's long career. Backing by Cannonball Adderley makes the presentation exceptional.

I'll review the entire package when it hits my front porch in Marietta, Ohio.

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