Alec Wilder is something of an unusual composer. His melodies need attention, need listening to, but once one gets the tune they are all very much worth while. I’ll Be Around, Summer Is A-Comin In, April Age, Who Can I Turn To? are all exceptional tunes that stay in the mind – whistleable if you like, but musically much better than the average run-of-the-mill popular song. It is obvious that Elaine Delmar recognises this fact, for she seems to handle each song on this album with specialised care. Not all the songs are gay, and it is those melancholy melodies which Miss Delmar handles best, and sings as if they were a personal experience. She has a lovely voice, her pitching is perfect, and her control very musical.
The accompaniment, under the direction of pianist Colin Beaton, is most sympathetic. The players never intrude, but the music is right behind the singer all the time, giving her a real, helpful backing.
If you like Alec Wilder’s music, you will like this album, for Miss Delmar does his songs full justice. Daughter of that erstwhile fine trumpeter, Jiver Hutchinson, it is obvious this girl has inherited his jazz talent.
Discography
It’s So Peaceful In The Country; The Wrong Blues; While We’re Young; Is It Always Like This?; Summer Is A-Coming In; I’ll Be Around (16½ min) – Who Can I Turn To?; You’re Free; Winter Of My Discontent; That’s The Way It Goes; The Lady Sings The Blues; The April Age (17 min)
Elaine Delmar (vcl) with Colin Beaton (p); Tommy Whittle (ten); Moe Miller (tpt/fr-hn); John Borthwick (bs); Laurie Wise (g); Harvey Bruns (d).
(Columbia SX / SCX 6044 32s.)
