Some years ago when the stage version of My Fair Lady was first presented, the Shelly Manne Trio put out a best-selling jazz version of the main themes. The pianist on that album was André Previn, who has now become well established as one of the leading Hollywood musical directors, and it came as no surprise to me to learn that he had been appointed by Warner Brothers as musical director of the film version.
I was surprised, on the other hand, to be confronted with this new album, which must have taxed even Mr. Previn’s ingenuity to avoid repetition, although he introduces several themes which were not used in the earlier set. I find his piano work very shallow in terms of true jazz feeling, although his technique and musical performance cannot be faulted. I think André has at one time or another suggested that his interest in jazz stemmed from Tatum, but the influence that predominates in most of his recordings is that of Peterson, even to the rather predictable runs and flourishes. The recording fails to do justice to the three supporting musicians, who are under-recorded and given little opportunity to solo.
Discography
You Did It; The Rain In Spain; Without You; I Could Have Danced All Night; On The Street Where You Live (18¼ min) – With A Little Bit Of Luck; I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face; I’m An Ordinary Man; Wouldn’t It Be Loverly; Get Me To The Church On Time (19¼ min)
André Previn (p); Herb Ellis (g); Red Mitchell (bs); Frank Capp (d).
(CBS SBPG 62432 i2inLP 33s. 2d.)
