Two For The Road
Two for the Road
with Mark Eisenman
Most of the songs that I chose for this CD...
I first heard as a teenager on vinyl (remember those) i.e. Can’t Get Started, Down In The Depths, Remind Me, When The World Was Young. These songs were interpreted by wonderful singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Mabel Mercer, Jeri Southern, Carmen McRae, Peggy Lee to name a few. I can still remember scribbling the lyrics out furiously in the listening booth of our local music shop. Impressing the words to memory by listening to the songs over and over again.
'Two For The Road' is the latest CD release for long time Jazz Vocalist Arlene Smith. As the name suggests, this outing is presented as a duel effort combining Arlene's unique vocal talents with the equally accomplished piano accompaniment of Mark Eisenman.
For quite some time I have wanted to record a duo CD – particularly in a relaxed setting – without the restrictions and pressures of a large recording studio. The opportunity arose when John & Patti Loach invited me to their studio – Exactly what I wanted – two musicians/friends who wanted to record some tracks in an intimate way reminiscent of another era; before the trickery of reverb, voiceovers and technicians perfecting each and every note.
Many of these tracks were done in one take – allowing us the freedom of a bended note or an unrehearsed ending. My honesty is in the interpretation of a lyric. Telling the story like it is has always been what I strive to do.
Mark and I have always worked well together. In addition to his exceptional musical abilities as a soloist and teacher, he is a gifted accompanist – most important to a singer – gave me the ‘wings to fly’. We surprised ourselves, had some joyful moments, a few good laughs and I got to sing my heart out on some of my favourite songs !
Wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
~ Arlene Smith