Pianist Frank Carlberg and saxophonist Noah Preminger have formed a duo in order to re-visit the American Songbook. Both popular songs and jazz standards are covered on their new album.

The two musicians demonstrate a variety of treatments of the classic material. While the focus is on the melody in Gershwin’s Embraceable You or Loewe’s I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face, Ellington’s Take the A Train goes Monk and beyond, whereas Try a Little Tenderness starts and ends with saxophone arpeggios you would expect to hear on a free-jazz recording.

Monk’s Reflections is refined and almost tame, providing a contrast to the amusing Monkish stride version of These Foolish Things.

Detailed intros are often followed by a more traditional take on the melody itself. A key feature on this album is amalgamating both traditional approaches and contemporary touches. The outcome is occasionally even surreal. This makes for a brilliant album by two master musicians. 

The album was recorded in Jordan Hall, Boston, which helped to create the excellent sound. 

FRANK CARLBERG NOAH PREMINGER: Whispers and Cries

Frank Carlberg, piano
Noah Preminger, tenor saxophone

Red Piano Records RPR14599-4431