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Reviewers: Tony Augarde [Editor], Don Mather, Sam Webster, Jonathan Woolf, Glyn Pursglove



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ALISON BURNS & MARTIN TAYLOR

1 am

P3  P3MCD017

 

 



1. Again
2. Because of You
3. He’s a Tramp
4. Sophisticated Lady
5. The Man That Got Away
6. Do You Love Me?
7. I Haven’t Got Anything Better To Do
8. Drop Me A Line
9. True
10. How Long Has This Been Going On?
11. If I Keep My Heart Out of Sight
12. If It’s Magic
13. No One Ever Tells You
14. I’m Confessin’
 
Alison Burns – Vocals
Martin Taylor – Guitar
 

I am very familiar with the work of Martin Taylor: some years ago, he even made a few appearances with my Big Band. This was, of course, before he became an international star on the jazz scene, but even then there was no doubting his outstanding talent. If there is anyone who could properly fulfil the role of accompanying a singer as a single musician, it’s Martin. 

Alison Burns is new to me, but she is a very polished singer. She lists Peggy Lee and Lena Horne as two of her favourites and she has absorbed much of their performances, but at the same time adding her own unique ingredient. In her repertoire she is not afraid to tackle some of the more difficult "standards". Sophisticated Lady is a good example where her excellent diction, tuning, intonation and use of vibrato make for an excellent rendition of this Duke Ellington classic.   

Throughout the album Martin Taylor provides perfect accompaniment, whilst at the same time contributing some immaculately played solos. He is one of the finest jazz guitarists on the world jazz scene today. His one-man shows, where he regularly plays the lead, accompanying part and bass line of a tune, all at the same time, are stunning evidence of his ability. 

The choice of material is also good: plenty of well-known melodies interspersed with less well-known songs and a Taylor/Burns original called True on track 9. 

If you enjoyed the records that Barney Kessel made with Julie London, and Joe Pass with Ella Fitzgerald, you will enjoy this - it is first class. 

Don Mather


 

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