Maurice Hines: To Nat King Cole With Love

Maurice Hines-vocalsJami Dauber-trumpetTanya Darby-trumpetWycliffe Gordon-tromboneLisa Parrott-baritone saxRalph Lalama-tenor saxKarolina Strassmayer-alto sax and fluteHoward Alden-guitarJames Chirillo-guitarBen Brown-bassBob Cranshaw-bassFrank Owens-pianoSherrie Maricle-drumsArrangements by Tommy Newsom Maurice is world-renowned as a dancer, actor, director and choreographer but this recording exposes his dimension as a singer who is comfortably in the tradition of jazz instrumentalists, heartfelt and casual, with an inimitable sound. He treats the lyrics with affectionate reverence because he knows what Ted Koehler or Ira Gershwin meant, and his gently conversational phrasing brings new life to music we know well. He is not just a spendid actor who also sings; he is a dancer and choreographer who intuitively knows the right tempo and most importantly makes every nuance of the lyric count. Selections: Unforgettable, It's Only A Paper Moon, The Very Thought of You, Walkin' My Baby Bac