UnReel

Album review

Quick, name the last time you heard a cover of "Schindler's List" on the same recording as a heartfelt, orchestral-flavored reading (by original artist Michael Sembello!) of the cheesy Flashdance classic "Maniac." Not recently? What about a frenetic jazz jam of the theme from The Jetsons alongside "Mannix" and "Forrest Gump"? That sort of unique, tongue-in-cheek playfulness alongside some serious jamming by the jazz elite sums up the concept of this project. One of the most in demand pianist/keyboardists in music, Randy Waldman has recorded with everyone from Michael Jackson and Madonna to George Benson and Frank Sinatra. He brings his myriad talents as pianist, arranger, and trumpeter to this collection, artfully rearranging these pieces and performing them with a virtuostic jazz twist. The disc features the dynamic interplay of Waldman's trio (John Patitucci, Vinnie Colaiuta) and a lineup of guests including Michael and Randy Brecker, Gary Burton, Branford Marsalis, Tom Scott, and Ernie Watts. Expect the unexpected, is what Waldman and his spirited pals seem to be telling listeners. Waldman goes the heartfelt, mostly solo route for a straightforward jazzy approach to "Forrest Gump," then goes crazy improvising off the hook on "The Jetsons" and "Leave It to Beaver." "My Favorite Things" and "Schindler's List" (featuring Marsalis on soprano) are given true film score/jazz trio renderings, while "Hawaii Five-O" utilizes the great horn energy of Randy Brecker and Gary Grant. "America" (the West Side Story version) features some of Waldman's most percussive work. It would be easy to play this sort of collection straight, but it's more in the spirit of great jazz to have this much fun.

© Jonathan Widran /TiVo