American Song

• Artist: Andy Bey
• Rating:
• Release Date: February 24, 2004
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

The legendary singer's connections to the golden age of bebop -- he performed from the '50s on with legends like Horace Silver, Eddie Harris, Max Roach, and McCoy Tyner -- definitely inform his subtle, low-key approach to the easy-breathing, sensitive arrangements of numerous classics here. The sticker on the album reminds listeners that he was voted 2003 Vocalist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist's Association and that he's "one of the most distinctive singers in jazz" (New York Times). You'll definitely agree if you generally like your jazz slow and soft as sweet molasses (with a few swinging exceptions like "Caravan") and you miss the one-of-a-kind vocal timbre of Mel Tormé. Bey's voice is cut from a similarly velvet landscape, but infused with a richer soul and blues experience. He made his minor legend by focusing on nuance, and the lush, serpentine way he wraps himself around familiar lyrics really demands an attentive listen. The only problem with so many slow numbers and a similar vocal style on each is a blending from one tune to the next. This type of laid-back jazz may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the voice is quite amazing if you have the patience to pay attention to every note. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Never Let Me Go (Lyrics)	Jay Livingston	Andy Bey	(5:31)
Prelude to a Kiss (Lyrics)	Irving Mills, Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon	Andy Bey	(6:27)
Speak Low	Kurt Weill, Ogden Nash, A.M. Brunner	Andy Bey	(7:25)
Angel Eyes	Matt Dennis	Andy Bey	(4:57)
Midnight Sun	Lionel Hampton, Sonny Burke, Johnny Mercer	Andy Bey	(6:25)
Caravan (Lyrics)	Irving Mills, Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol	Andy Bey	(6:05)
Lush Life	Billy Strayhorn	Andy Bey	(7:59)
Satin Doll (Lyrics)	Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Billy Strayhorn	Andy Bey	(5:32)
It's Only a Paper Moon (Lyrics)	Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, Billy Rose	Andy Bey	(6:53)
Lonely Town (Lyrics)	Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, Adolph Green	Andy Bey	(3:37)

Credits

J.J. Stelmach (Art Direction), Matt Murman (Mastering), Kiyoshi Kitagawa (Bass), Frank Wess (Soloist), Dwight Andrews (Clarinet (Bass)), David Ritz (Liner Notes), Dave Kowalski (Engineer), Andy Bey (Piano), Dwight Andrews (Clarinet), Herb Jordan (Producer), Paul Meyers (Guitar), Dan Marx (Production Coordination), Dwight Andrews (Flute), Frank Wess (Tenor (Vocal)), Andy Bey (Vocals), Vernell Garnett (Flugelhorn), Steve Davis (Trombone), Geri Allen (Horn Arrangements), Vernell Garnett (Trumpet), Herb Jordan (Arranger), Dwight Andrews (Flute (Alto)), Scott Johnson (Graphic Design), Geri Allen (Arranger), Helmut Hien (Images), Andy Bey (Arranger), Mino Cinelu (Percussion), Frank Wess (Flute), Dwight Andrews (Sax (Soprano)), Dave Kowalski (Mixing), Geri Allen (Piano), Steve Backer (Executive Producer), Steve Davis (Trombone (Bass))