NANCY MARANO

IF YOU COULD SEE US NOW

Speak Low * The Peacocks * Carousel * Cheek. To Cheek * A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing * The Thrill Is Gone * Last Night When We Were Young * If You Could See Me NOW * You Must Believe In Spring * Indian Summer *  The Netherlands Metropole Orchestra conducted by John Clayton and Jerry Van Rooyen. Nancy Marano (vocals). Arrangements by Manny Albam. NANCY MARANO & MANNY ALBAM WITH THE NETHERLANDS METROPOLE ORCHESTRA: ‘IF YOU COULD SEE US NOW’ (Koch Jazz 3-6918-2)

The Netherlands Metropole Orchestra has a long and distinguished history which spans more than 50 years. It has become associated with all that is best in the field of Light Music and its 61 musicians are the best in the world. The orchestra is now the cornerstone of public broadcasting in the Netherlands but it is best known to jazz buffs for its successful collaborations with the great jazz soloists. Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson, Freddy Hubbard, Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans are just a few of the great names that have appeared with the orchestra over the years. Many great singers such as SarahVaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme have also been featured with the band.

Nancy Marano has recorded with Benny Carter, Michel Legrand, Gerry Mulligan, Dick Hyman, Frank Wess and Roger Kellaway. She is a true jazz singer, as these credentials would indicate, with a big voice which she is not afraid to use for certain dangerous effects. She has a studious, musicianly approach which reminds me somewhat of Norma Winstone. In this outstanding collaboration with the orchestra she is well served with the excellent arrangements of Manny Albam, who set up the recording. All the songs are well chosen to suit her style and include a number of originals. The Peacocks is a Jimmy Rowles composition with lyrics by Norma Winstone! Carousel is a beautiful ballad written by Duncan Lamont and she does a memorable interpretation of Billy Strayhom’s A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing. The standards included in the programme have distinctive Manny Albam arrangements. The singer states “he can take a song that has been around for decades and make it new”.

This excellent CD is a tribute to all the musicians who have made it happen. Each treatment is individual and brings out the best qualities of an outstanding vocal talent.

It is amazing how such a large ensemble can capture genuine jazz feeling. The 28 piece string section is used sparingly but to very good effect and the 5 man percussion section has tremendous drive. A delightful album which is highly recommended for those who appreciate fine jazz singing and imaginative arrangements.

David Lund

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