Dave Gelly 

Claire Martin & Richard Rodney Bennett: Say It Isn’t So – review

Claire Martin and Richard Rodney Bennett's last album together puts a delightfully fresh spin on Irving Berlin, writes Dave Gelly
  
  


At first glance they made an odd couple, the jazz singer and the distinguished composer, but when it came to the intimate art of "songs at the piano" they had no rivals. This is their third and, as it sadly turns out, final album. All the songs are by Irving Berlin, including several less well-known ones, all intriguingly arranged. Sir Richard, who died late last year, always managed to find some new twist to enliven a familiar tune. In fact, his accompaniments can be quite challenging at times. The partnership brought out the best in the formidably talented Claire Martin, and her singing here is a constant delight.

 

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