Search - Toots Thielemans :: One More for the Road

Toots & Vocals

L. J. Allen | Atlanta, GA United States | 12/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes in Toots Thielemans' CD accurately state that the songs of Harold Arlen (with an assortment of lyricists, including the great Johnny Mercer) are widely known, even though they don't enjoy the same kind of popular reverence as say those of composers Cole Porter or Irving Berlin. "One More for the Road" is designed, in part, to place Arlen center stage. Toots does this ten times over. But he does something else.



Thielemans and producer Ruud Jacobs' decision to showcase less-well-known vocalists is also a master stroke. Most of these superb vocal talents enjoy limited airplay, but are certainly worthy of astounding acclaim. Some stand out more than others: Lizz Wright, a Georgia native (USA) with a smoky contralto is warm and sultry on "Come Rain or Come Shine." Madeleine Peyroux's Billie Holiday-esque vocals shine on "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea." Oleta Adams full-bodied vocals expand the meaning of Lena Horne's signature "Stormy Weather." The vocal standout, however, is Trijntje (pronounced "Train-cha") Oosterhuis' burnished vocals on the nearly forgotten Arlen/Johnny Mercer masterpiece "I Wonder What Became of Me." Thielemans is correct when he says Trijntje deserves greater exposure in the United States.



For some diehard Thielemans fans, this CD may have too little of Toots (He plays without vocals only on four tracks.) Yet he manages to pull off three important things: First, he superbly highlights the masterful compositions of Harold Arlen. Second, he displays exquisite good taste in vocalists. And third, he perfectly blends Jazz and Traditional Pop so much so that a Jazz purist and a Pop music dilettante would be equally pleased. This CD is a perfectly pleasant ride with the master of Jazz harmonica and his astounding new friends.

"

Superior Jazz-Pop

Peter Baklava | Charles City, Iowa | 02/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't think you can find a better "duets' album than this one. From it's cool, retro-styled cover photo to its impeccable selection of Harold Arlen tunes, this album strikes all the right notes.



The arrangements are (for the most part) fresh-sounding, and the orchestration is never intrusive, but supple and buoyant--which allows the songs to 'breathe'. The strings have a nice shimmer and sheen that will transport the listener. Best of all, the album may introduce you to several sparkling young vocal talents. I myself am particularly smitten with Lizz Wright's vocal (so authoritative, warm with a little smolder)---I think there is a reason why she is featured in the opening track ("Come Rain or Come Shine"). Madeline Peyroux on "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" for once sounds more like Ella Fitzgerald than Billie Holiday. Beth Hart's reading of "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues'" is so spirited and slinky that I think it is the friskiest and most fun track by far.



I have only one or two quibbles: "It's Only A Paper Moon" is given a fairly predictable, tepid arrangement. And, sorry folks, but I can't count myself among the fans of Jamie Cullum. He sounds like a young Michael J. Fox trying to do Sinatra ("One For the Road").... and he can't resist throwing in the Elton John-ish turn of phrase. But these are two minor detractions from what is overall a smashingly good album. Toots Thielemans is still at the top of his game, and his harmonica provides delicious sounding seasoning on the vocal selections, and unrestrained lyricism in the instrumentals.



Perfect accompaniment for travel."

Still more for the road, please!

M. Talaba | Philadelphia, PA USA | 11/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think it was Quincy Jones who said "It's impossible to get tired of listening to Toots Thielemans." I've been listening since 1965, and actually, it just keeps getting better. One More for the Road pays homage to Harold Arlen, but it will be remembered for the brilliance and sensitivity of Toot's interpretations, and his flawless partnering with the various vocalists--all of whom are terrific--on this CD. There is also a 'bonus track' that contains the sweetest instrumental rendition of "Over the Rainbow" I have ever heard. "One for the Road" is a winner, straight through. Don't miss it!"