“…fresh interpretations and insights… zesty… entertaining as well as romantic, as much fun as it was creative.”
– George Kanzler, Newark Star Ledger
“Long overdue – stunning and original.”
– Aaron Fensterheim- WXEL- FM 90.7
On this Arkadia Jazz recording of intimate duets, entitled “Mary Pearson: You and I”, Jazz singer Mary Pearson’s voice weaves a seamless tapestry of romance. Mary and her all-star partners Fred Hersch, Lynne Arriale, Harvie Swartz, David Lahm, Steve Davis and guitarist John Hart create a virtual suite of love songs, guaranteed to keep you under her passionate spell.
“Ms. Pearson gets to me not only with her humorous energy and stunningly musical vocal talent, but also with her “on the edge” eccentricity”. – Mark Murphy, legendary Jazz vocalist
The musical concept of the album – pairing Pearson’s indelible voice with a single instrument per song to create a collection of intimate duets – seems so clever that it’s hard to believe it is not employed more widely in the Jazz world. The simplicity of this format helps breathe new life into some of the often performed Jazz Standards, and three originals, and creates an impressive pulpit to introduce her original compositions to the world.
“These austere settings showcase the warmth and richness of Pearson’s instrument, a lush, supple voice… “You and I” is an impressive, musically exacting first effort..” – Joel E. Siegel, JazzTimes Magazine
Mary Pearson knows that it takes more than a beautiful voice to once again bring alive some of the most cherished and recorded timepieces of our American Songbook. According to the accomplished veteran, “If you can’t add something new, you may as well just put on the original and sing along”. With creative ingenuity and a vision to fashion her songs in a style never before tailored, on this Arkadia Records album, “Mary Pearson: You and I”, Pearson has been able to reclaim a glory that once existed in the classic realm of romantic Jazz, performing in the tradition of Shirley Horn, Morgana King, and Chris Conner.
1. Lazy Afternoon 04:11
2. The More I See You 05:18
3. Take Five 02:59
4. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? 03:58
5. * I Am Yours / You Are Mine 05:15
6. Thou Swell 04:03
7. You and I 05:24
8. * In Your Arms 04:11
9. How Long Has This Been Going On? 05:54
10. My Funny Valentine 03:57
11. * I Can’t Believe 03:26
12. Over the Rainbow 05:10
* Composed by Mary Pearson
All vocals and arrangements by Mary Pearson
Mary Pearson: Vocals
Fred Hersch: Piano
Lynne Arriale: Piano
John Hart: Guitar
Harvie Swartz (Harvie S): Bass
Steve Davis Drums
David Lahm: Piano
