THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 31, 1994 TAG: 9407290095
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Music review
LENGTH: Long : 103 lines
Tony Bennett, ``MTV Unplugged'' (Columbia); Jimmy Scott, ``Dream'' (Sire) - A few years ago, no one could have envisioned the commercial renaissance coming to these veteran vocalists. Tony Bennett's ``MTV Unplugged'' caps an extraordinary year since the release of his much-praised ``Steppin' Out.'' Somehow the video of that CD's title tune caught the attention of MTV programmers, and overnight Bennett was the unlikely darling of a new generation of listeners.
Perhaps an appearance on ``Unplugged'' was inevitable given Bennett's left-field success. But this recording captures him doing what he's been doing night after night for most of his adult life - putting a personal stamp on songs as timeworn as they are timeless.
There were a couple of surprises. ``Moonglow'' is a lightweight though enjoyable duet with k.d. lang, and ``They Can't Take That Away From Me'' with Elvis Costello is effective. But neither of these is essential. Strip them out and what you have is a set with the stylishly unobtrusive Ralph Sharon Trio. The years have proved that this is Bennett's ideal setting, and despite a few ragged vocal edges, ``Unplugged'' is a terrific example of why Bennett in his late 60s has become the pre-eminent voice of nonrock American popular music.
As startling as Bennett's commercial resurgence has been, Jimmy Scott's emergence from more than two decades of obscurity is equally surprising. His Grammy-winning 1992 CD, ``All The Way,'' was his first recording since 1969. On that album, Scott's haunting falsetto was placed in a lush, string-filled setting by jazz producer Tommy Lipuma.
Lipuma has given way to Mitchell Froom, a veteran of rock sessions and an unlikely choice to capture Scott's tender sound. But ``Dream'' is a triumph. Froom showcases Scott in a small group setting, with such jazz greats as pianist Junior Mance and vibraphonist Milt Jackson backing the singer live in the studio.
With more than a hint of the tortured loneliness one associates with Billie Holiday's voice, Scott brings out the full emotional power of ``I Cried For You,'' ``You Never Miss The Water'' and ``It's The Talk Of The Town.'' Though the tempo never rises above ballad speed during the album's nine tunes, this collection is compelling from beginning to end.
- Jack Frieden
Wallace Roney, ``Misterios'' (Warner Bros.) - Trumpeter Roney was picked by Miles Davis to be his second on the 1991 concert that yielded the ``Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux'' album. Then Roney stepped into the little big man's shoes on a tribute album by surviving members of Davis' mid-'60s quintet. Here Roney tips his hat again by working with producer Teo Macero, who helmed many a classic Miles side.
The obvious hope is that ``Misterios'' will draw favorable comparisons to Davis' languid work with arranger Gil Evans. But the reality finds Roney blowing fluidly but uninspiredly over static charts packed with gooey strings and winds. ``Sketches of Spain'' this is not, especially when Roney faces the tired melodies of ``Michelle'' and ``I Will Always Love You.''
- Rickey Wright
Monteverdi, ``The Coronation of Poppea,'' with soprano Arleen Auger and conductor Richard Hickox (Virgin) - The message of this fascinating 1642 opera is that power corrupts, especially when fueled by love. Nero tires of his wife, Octavia, and divorces her. He banishes Poppea's former lover, orders his chief political rival to commit suicide, marries Poppea and names her Empress of Rome. Unlike most other operas, this is one in which the bad guys triumph.
Monteverdi's music, moving fluidly between recitative and short arialike sections, makes these characters three-dimensional. The coronation scene and final duet for Nero and Poppea are memorable.
This very satisfying recording uses a new performing edition by Clifford Bartlett. Rather than attempting to inflate the work to modern proportions, conductor Richard Hickox takes a minimalist approach. The City of London Baroque Sinfonia is often thinned to only one or two period instruments to accompany.
There are no real weaknesses in the large cast, all of whom are well-versed in the performance of Baroque opera. The late Arleen Auger is Poppea, and her sensuous and lovely portrayal makes her recent death seem all the sadder. She is partnered by mezzo Della Jones as Nero. Jones, too, manages to bring her character to life through her singing.
- Paul Sayegh
Telemann, ``Paris'' Quartets, performed by Trio Sonnerie and Wilbert Hazelzet (Virgin Classics) - The Trio Sonnerie has dusted off four quartets published in the 1730s, when Telemann enjoyed enormous popularity in Europe. The playful, spontaneous character of this music is truly enchanting. There's an infectious liveliness and buoyancy in the ensemble's playing that makes these pieces come alive.
Flutist Hazelzet's mellow tone perfectly matches violinist Monica Huggett's feathery touch. Virgin Classics has high standards for sound, and this balanced, clear and focused recording is no exception.
- Terry Joy MEMO: To hear exerpts from these recordings, call INFOLINE at 640-5555 and
punch 6275. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
DAVID GAHR
Jimmy Scott has emerged from two decades of obscurity with the
release of his new album, ``Dream.''
Tony Bennett's ``MTV Unplugged'' caps an extraordinary year.
by CNB