Crepuscule Variations, The

JAZZ SHOWTUNES & STANDARDS

Brothers Ralph (tenor sax) and Dave (piano) Lalama play jazzy theme-and-variations interpretations of the American Songbook: well-known show tunes, old pop songs, and love songs. They’re joined on about half the tracks by wife/sister-in-law Nicole. If I’m honest, her voice is just passable. This appears to be a homemade project (nothing on the Internet).

No FCC issues.

1 Fast. Instrumental. Two styles played against—not with—each other. (4:09)
2 Slow. Piano & singer for two verses; solo sax bridge; another vocal verse at end. (5:37)
3 * Mid-tempo. Instrumental. Sax & piano take turns. Sax is fluid & melodic. (5:58)
4 Slow. A un-pretty version of what’s usually a very pretty song. (4:10)
5 Mid-tempo. Instrumental. Bouncy, jolly version of this Billie Holiday gem. Odd. (8:53)
6 Slow. Dreary and flat. (6:52)
7 * Mid-tempo. Finally a vocal I liked. Nicole addresses this song with a playful enunciation and a bit of bounce. Sax bridge is quite nice too. Kind of fun. (4:34)
8 Slow. Weak effort on this Burt Bacharach song. Play Dionne Warwick’s version. (6:08)
9 * Mid-slow. Instrumental. Smoky tenor sax melody with easy swinging piano. (6:42)
10 Mid-fast. Sax solo to start. George & Ira Gershwin tune sung in French (Why?) (6:12)
11 Mid-slow. Love song. A bit of vocal, but mostly saxophone. (4:48)
12 ** Mid-tempo. Instrumental. Soulful sax melody with gentle piano backing. (5:35)
13 Very slow. Instrumental. Melodic tune on sax. Quiet piano. (5:26)