The Power of Two
(Qualiton Music) is an utterly delightful recording that preserves the act that the pair performed at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency earlier this year. From the moment the two launch into a specially re-fitted version of Cy Coleman and David Zippel’s “You’re Nothing Without Me,” this CD is infectious.
Whether singing singly or as a team, the two performers glide over a bevy of melodies with their supple, and sometimes even dreamy, voices. Feinstein‘s heartfelt interpretation of Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford’s “Old Friend” is a particular treat and his take on “So in Love” is superlatively and satisfyingly sultry initially and then transforms into something that is marvelously jubilant. Feinstein is similarly upbeat in a rendition of “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” that has a glorious New Orleans jazz flair.
Jackson‘s jazzy take on the Gershwins’ “A Foggy Day” evokes smoke-filled jazz clubs of the 1950s and has an impishness that brings to mind the late Jack Cassidy. Fans of this singer’s work in the current Broadway revival of Finian’s Rainbow will be pleased to know that he delivers Burton Lane and Yip Harburg’s classic “Old Devil Moon,” and this rendition, while not a carbon copy of his work on Broadway, is just as sexy and compelling on this disc.
While the performers’ voices blend beautifully on the disc’s title track, a gentle pop-country tune from The Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers, the true highlights of the duets are the hauntingly delivered and terrifically conceived take on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “We Kiss In a Shadow” and an achingly delicate and openly gay interpretation of the Gershwins’ “Someone To Watch Over Me.”
Musical director John Oddo’s arrangements for a five piece combo sparkle and have just the right amount of brass-y brashness for the up-tempo numbers. Once in a music lover’s collection, this disc will most likely become a long-term favorite.
