CD Catchup, Part 2: André Previn

André Previn, Alone (Emarcy). When in the mid-1960s Previn committed himself to classical conducting, composing and performing, he did not leave jazz behind. Technique, taste and touch intact, he plays thirteen pieces using his range of dynamics, rhythmic subtlety, harmonic sensibility and capacity for surprise. He recalls a lick or two from his period of intense jazz involvement in the 1950s, but the greater interest here is Previn’s depth of exploration within the chord structures of familiar songs including “Angel Eyes,” “Skylark” and “It Might As Well Be Spring.”
In a lovely moment in “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” he sets up tension with riff-like repetition then provides release with a key change. His abstract treatment of “I Can’t Get Started” encompasses passages of the lightning finger work that reflects his classical background. The repertoire includes an original blues; “Darkest Before The Dawn,” a Previn collaboration with Johnny Mercer; and Previn’s 1966 hit song “You’re Gonna Hear From Me.” If the last title implies further solo adventures, they will be welcome. This is Previn’s best solo album since his 1960 Harold Arlen collection.