Disney Jazz, Vol. 1 | Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
Disney Jazz, Vol. 1 | Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
by Brent Faulkner
Disney Jazz, Vol. 1-Everybody Wants To Be a Cat is exactly how the first portion of the title reads - jazz interpretations of some timeless Disney gems. Compilation efforts with various artists often suffer from not being cohesively strong, however this exceptionally strong and creative venture easily 'bucks' any low expectations for the compilation album. With no outright misses to speak of, Disney Jazz, Vol. 1 proves to be a star-studded and splendid listen.
The album opens with the title track "Ev'rybody Wants to be a Cat," featuring jazz trumpet standout Roy Hargrove. The setting of this cut further accentuates and amps up the jazzy nature of this classic from the 1970 Disney film, The Aristocats. Hargrove's trumpet solo is a highlight, not to mention some fantastic harmonic ideas from the pianist; It is sheer excellence. "Chim Chim Cher-ee" features recent Grammy-award recipient Esperanza Spalding singing the melody of this classic on neutral vocal syllables. While it doesn't steal the show from the title track, this cut proves to be incredibly creative, not to mention the use of accordion, which makes the timbre incredibly unique.
"Some Day My Prince Will Come" was already solidified as a jazz standard 'way back when' given jazz legend Miles Davis's take on the Snow White classic. Here, Dave Brubeck's take (piano) is absolutely beautiful, most notable for his brilliant sense of music theory and harmony. Jazz violinist Regina Carter joins the compilation on the creative "Find Yourself" from Cars. Not as straightforward as Brubeck's performance, the creativity still pours from Carter and her exceptional supporting cast (another accordion is featured).
"You've Got A Friend in Me" features saxophone talent Joshua Redman performing in a minimalist setting (sax, bass and drums, no piano). "He's A Tramp" adds the grand vocals of Dianne Reeves in a sultry performance of The Lady and the Tramp classic. Kurt Rosenwinkle's interpretation of an unlikely candidate for jazz treatment ("Feed the Birds (Tuppence A Bag)") proves to be one of the compilation's most brilliant moments. The synchronization between guitar and piano proves to be a fine effect.
"Gaston" (Beauty and the Beast), another unlikely choice, receives a schizophrenic, though genius interpretation by Bad Plus. Roberta Gambarini stuns on a beautiful vocal effort on "Alice in Wonderland." The show-stopping performance is by prodigiously talented pianist Alfredo Rodriguez whose take on The Jungle Book classic "The Bare Necessities" is nothing short of breathtaking and virtuosic in quality.
"It's a Small World" is a pleasure to listen to, featuring young vocalist Nikki Yanofsky showing some incredible range and indisputable talent. "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast gets the 'jazz' treatment from guitarist Gilad Hekselman who makes this unlikely cut work to perfection (he even quotes title track "Beauty and the Beast" at the end). "Circle of Life," performed by trumpeter Mark Rapp, closes the effort strongly in a fusion-driven arrangement.
Overall, this compilation effort is brilliant, featuring the exceptional talents of jazz artists young (Nikki) and old (Dave Brubeck). For both Disney and jazz enthusiasts, this is a 'must have.'
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene
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