Peter Eldridge-Kenny Werner – Somewhere – Rosebud Music 53:39****
( Peter Eldridge – vocals; Kenny Werner – piano & electric piano; Eugene Friesen – conductor/cellist; Matt Aronoff – bass; Yoron Israel – drums; The Fantastical String Orchestra; Special Guest – George Garzone – tenor saxophone #8 )
Somewhere, a new album on Rosebud Music, brings together vocalist Peter Eldridge and pianist Kenny Werner for an intimate and sophisticated session of ballads that capitalizes on Eldridge’s warm baritone and Werner’s piano virtuosity. All of this is encased by orchestral strings utilizing the arrangements of Kenny Werner.
With the exception of three numbers, most the music presented was written by either Werner or Eldridge with the lyrics provided by a variety of lyricists. In any event the compositions are replete with modish points of view and musical worldliness.
The set opens with “You Don’t Know Me” which was written by Cindy Walker from story line provided by country singer Eddie Arnold. The artists who covered the tune are too numerous to mention. Be that as it may, Eldridge delivers a languid heart wrenching version of the tune, while Werner’s piano fills in beautifully around the edges.
“I’m So Glad You’re Mine” is the first of the several Kenny Werner compositions that dot the album. The piece opens with a delicious piano solo from Werner, and then Eldridge picks up the theme with an evocative run through of the lyrics.
The only Aldridge/Werner composition included in this release is “Autumn In Three” which speaks to the promise that fall brings with leaves falling and a bite in the air. Werner offers some evocative single note lines along with a big tone bass solo from Matt Aronoff.
Another Werner composition with lyrics by Douglas Worth is ”Ballad For Trane”. After Aldridge takes an amiable turn though the lyrics which are somewhat obtuse, tenor saxophonist George Garzone delivers a warm harmonic solo in a straight ahead fashion.
“Somewhere/A Time For Love” are compositions from an unmatched pair of musical icons. Firstly Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim wrote “Somewhere” for the 1957 Broadway production West Side Story, and the latter was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webber for the 1966 film An American Dream.
These two numbers are an interesting musical juxtaposition as Eldridge and Werner are the only players on the first piece delivering an interpretation full of self assurance and grace. On the second offering, Werner drops out and Eldridge is supported only by the string section that provides a variegated harmonic feel to the singer’s approach to the number.
This album is a reflective and expressive excursion to a place of stylish inspiration.
TrackList:
You Don’t Know Me
I’m So Glad You’re Mine
That Which Can’t Be Explained
Autumn In Three
Minds Of Their Own
Less Than Lovers
Difficult
Ballad For Trane
Somewhere/A Time For Love
Untitled Lament
Day Is Done (Prayer For Diego)
—Pierre Giroux
