COVER -> POWERSSOUND
Her new album for Concord Records, "Brazil," finds the native of Maysville, Kentucky in good voice, at home with her material and supported by some superior musicians. You really can't ask for much more than that.
Bob Powers Clooney, who marked her 72nd birthday on May 23, sounds stronger on this outing than in the past couple of years. Problems with shortness of breath aren't noticeable. That warm, gorgeous tone and her wise and knowing interpretation of a song lyric have never been more apt.
She's simply a wonderful pop singer who's at home with damned near any kind of song that is thrown at her. In this instance, she's been given a splendid array from the magical works of Antonio Carlos Jobim, whose songs scored on the Hit Parade way back before rock'n'roll had completely changed the music industry.
The new album opens with a lush arrangement of the title song, which was first heard (I think) during Hollywood's Golden Age of the movie musical. Backing Rosemary is a superb group of seven musicians, including guitarist John Pizzarelli and Clooney's long --time pianist and arranger, John Oddo. Gary Foster is heard frequently throughout the album with his excellent tenor sax solos.
One of Jobim's biggest hits, "Corcovado (Quiet Nights)" is given a masterful Clooney treatment. Its simply divine!
Diana Krall, a brilliant jazz vocalist and pianist from Canada, has become one of Rosemary's favorite singers, so its really nice to have them together for this slinky duet on "Boy from Ipanema," another of the Jobim's dazzlers. Rosemary sits out on the fourth track, which spotlights John Pizzarelli's voice and guitar. His handling of "Wave" is excellent.
A Jobim song that I don't recall, "Once I Loved," seems a satisfying and logical choice for Rosemary. John Oddo's arrangement makes the perfect background for Clooney's vibrant voice. Next up is another Jobim chestnut, "Desafinado," which I swear I could hear 50 times in succession and still be mesmerized by its beauty.
Cole Porter's great tune, "I Concentrate On You," is tailor-made for Rosemary and she sounds simply magnificent. Great singer paired with a great singer: what more could anyone ask?
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Pizzarelli, whose voice works quite nicely with Rosemary, delivers superb support on their duet of the Jobim winner, "One Note Samba." Pizzarelli gets a few bars to show off his outstanding guitar technique.
Rosemary gives added meaning and intelligence to Jobim's "How Insensitive," accompanied only by Pizzarelli's guitar. Superb! It's followed by a trim arrangement by Dick Lieb of "Let Go," with Pizzarelli contributing his own vocal support and a few succinct guitar licks.
The spotlight again falls on Pizzarelli for "Dindi," co-written by Jobim. His voice works very well, giving a jazz flavor to the material. One of these days, Pizzarelli should move into the high clouds of jazz fame.
Rosemary sounds saucy and Pizzarelli again does a grand job of vocalizing on the Jobim masterpiece, "Water of March." This is 3:13 minutes of delight.
The final Jobim song on the album is "Meditation," which is so appropriate for any singer who has been in show business as long as Rosemary. This is a thoughtful lyric, a distinctive melody, and a fabulous singer meeting and giving listeners goosebumps.
The band gets to step forward on "Sweet Happy Life," which in five minutes playing time hands out solos to five of the musicians. Rosemary returns in the penultimate track with the emotionally touching "A Day in the Life of a Fool."
The final cut consists of a brief reprise of the album opener, "Brazil."
Rosemary Clooney and Brazilian music make for a great combo. The addition of such wondrous musicians as Pizzarelli, Oddo, and Foster make this album a must for any serious fan of pop or jazz music.
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Coming Next Time: Joanna De Seyne has a new album which may take this blonde beauty toward the Big Time of show business. She's got a voice of distinction and her choice of material (which she mostly wrote herself) is worth a listen.
