Dream Dancing

Album review

Warren Vaché works magic on the cornet, an instrument that has somewhat unjustly fallen out of favor compared to the trumpet or flügelhorn. Vaché, who is joined by the brilliant pianist Bill Charlap along with the solid rhythm of bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Eddie Locke, kicks off the CD with a terrific talkative muted solo in "Close Your Eyes." He's on open horn, backed by Charlap's lush chords, in a lyrical take of "Too Late Now." The easygoing rendition of Charlie Parker's "Quasimodo" (based on the chord changes to the standard "Embraceable You") is the sole number included from the bop era, but it will no doubt please fans of the genre. It's back to muted horn for the brisk run through "Blue Lou," a gem from the swing era. Vaché's lush opening verse sets up the elegant arrangement of "Some Other Time," which also features Charlap at his very best. Tenor saxophonist Harry Allen is added on four tracks, including a dreamy but gently swinging "What's New" and the explosive "Lover, Come Back to Me." Vaché concludes the session by warmly singing the ballad "Not Exactly Paris," adding a chorus on muted horn. Warmly recommended.

© Ken Dryden /TiVo