Color and Light: Jazz Sketches on Sondheim

by

Various Artists

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Superb performances by Peabo Bryson, Nancy Wilson and Holly Cole are the highlight of this Sondheim collection. Sad to say, I was unaware of how prolific Sondheim was for so many years. A true blend of vocals and musicals from the soulful duet by Bryson and Wilson to the rather avante-garde stylings of Herbie Hancock. You may like some songs better than the others (I did). But, I can guarantee that if you like any of the principals involved, you'll consider the CD worthwhile. I have owned it for years and it is still near the top of the list of CD's that I listen to.

Vocals from Peabo Bryson and Nancy Wilson are the highlights of this album. Pretty Women from Sweeney Todd is a wonderful sensitive interpretation. Likewise the lovely duet from Passion, Loving You. The instrumental pieces are generally OK but suffer without lyrics, since there is a repetitiveness in some of Sondheim's work that is saved only by the poetry of his words. Holly Cole misses the point totally providing flawed and narrow interpretations which destroy the Sondheim magic. I usually play the first six tracks and skip the rest. Despite this, I still believe in Sondheim's genius.