Search - Bolcom Morris White :: The Carioca: Songs of Vincent Youmans

IC B. (icberry)
Reviewed on 4/19/2023...

I have to agree with others that have expressed an appreciation for the work of Joan Morris and William Bolcom -- soprano and pianist here, two musicians with a genuine love of early-20th century popular song. Robert White (tenor) join the two with this collection of mid-1920s-early 1930s show songs by Vincent Youmans ("Tea for Two", "No, No, Nanette", "I Want to Be Happy"), and it sparkles. There's a kind of charming/geeky invitation in Morris/Bolcom's way with them, that says to the listener, like the song: "...I'm fond of some things, that only a few like...", ("So do I", track 4) as if to say they're pretty sure you're here because you love this music as much as they do.

And it's hard not to like the earnest, guileless, slightly-naughty pizzazz in these songs. Youmans was part of the same Broadway scene as Ira Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein II, Gus Kahn and others who were influenced by jazz, syncopation, blues and lyrics that fall in bright, slangy, streetwise rhyming patterns.

My favorite is here is, "Does it Pay to be a Lady?", which (according to the nicely-done liner notes) was written at the last minute by Youmans and his partners to give a new show, "Great Day!" a little push closer to Broadway, even as its other songs were already big hits. It's clever, funny - and has a sting in its tail that'll make you laugh. Joan Morris puts them over with a winning, poignant wit, and William Bolcom plays like silk, with an offhand grace that suits the material perfectly.

Finally, and to make it 100% clear that Bolcom, Morris and White love this music dearly, included too here are four tracks taken directly from the Youmans Acetates. Like timeworn jewelry, these are like soft-edged rings that have spent a lifetime on one hand. They're not so shiny and bright-edged anymore, but their effect is rare and real. Pure time travel.

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Superb versions of Youmans' songs

William S. Oser | Florida, USA | 06/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If like me, you think that knowledge of proper style is an important element of The Great American Songbook, then there can be no greater exponents of same than Joan Morris and her husband William Bolcom. When they perform the works of Irving Berlin there is a clear understanding of his style, and its not the same as that of Cole Porter. They live/eat and breath this music. Therefore whenever I want great performances, I look to them. They recorded 2 volumes of songs by Vincent Youmans, a very good composer, if not up to the level of Kern, Porter, Berlin, Rodgers. With such tunes as the title tune, The Carioca, I want to Be Happy, Tea for Two, Halleluia, Flying Down to Rio and many more, this disc and volume 2 will provide you with solid entertainment. Bolcom and Morris are joined by their very dear friend Richard White. Prepare to enjoy."

Give me Morris/Bolcom any time!

Ronald V. Mershart | Superior, WI | 01/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am an "American Popular Song" enthusiast with a collection (and a catalog) of wonderful evocations of this song literature. "The Carioica--Songs of Vincent Youmans" is fine quality musical presentation. One can't beat William Bolcom's piano and arrangements, and the purity of Joan Morris's soprano is exceptional. Quality, taste, and the structure of these song recitals are tops. By the way, listen to the companion album "Orchids in the Moonlight.""