On Dream Lands, Nancy King continues her journey through American
popular music, exploring not only classic standards, but other bits
and pieces that have been hidden away in the nooks and crannies of
the caverns of jazz vocal music. Previous journeys found her accompanied
by guitarist Glen Moore. This time her traveling companion is pianist
Steve Christofferson. These two are no strangers to each other having
performed together at jazz venues and concerts in their home, the
Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years.
In addition to the piano, Christofferson employs the Melodica on several
cuts. This instrument can best be described as an accordion keyboard
without the bellows. It sounds like a cross between an accordion and
a harmonica. When he uses this instrument, Christofferson creates
an atmosphere which always fits right in with the image King is establishing
with her singing. A prime example is the classic "Lazy Afternoon"
where King's voice and Christofferson's Melodica beget that languorous,
lethargic, but often sensuous, after lunch feeling which comes on
a warm, hazy afternoon.
Showing their versatility, the blues are visited with a bit of funk
on "Blue Station" where King engages in some relaxed scatting.
Her intelligent wordless scatting skills are also put on display with
good effect on "From Me to You". This is not the Beatles'
Lennon, McCartney tune, but one by Charlie Smalls. The "Picnic/Moonglow"
medley vividly recalls perhaps one of the most sumptuous scenes in
motion picture history, the beautiful Kim Novak slowly sauntering
down the steps of the raised dance floor to "Moonglow" all
the time staring (leering?) at William Holden. Adding variety to the
play list, King and Christofferson happily revive the 1943 Harold
Adamson/Jimmy McHugh song they wrote for the film Higher and Higher
and made popular by Sinatra, "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening".
The rest of the session is filled with performances which are equally
as attractive. Nancy doesn't have a web page, but Steve does at http://www.teleport.com/~pelagic.
Track Listing: Talk to Me; From Me to You; Picnic/Moonglow; A Lovely
Way to Spend an Evening; Like Someone in Love; You Say You Care; Lazy
Afternoon; Crooked Road; Blue Station; When the Wind Was Green; Tomorrow's
Another Day
Personnel: Nancy King - Vocals; Steve Christofferson - Piano, Melodica
