Barbara Fasano: Written in the Stars

Here’s more proof that the fusion of jazz and cabaret is one of the healthiest trends in the music business. Cabaret singers have taste, built-in dramatic chops, the ability to manipulate time, and, above all, respect for lyrics. Ms. Fasano, whose background includes working all the right rooms with all the right jazz musicians, has plenty of the above. In addition, she’s had a life-long hero-worship for Harold Arlen. Face it: A singer who lacks appreciation for an Arlen tune shouldn’t be in the biz.

Fasano has put together 15 tunes by her icon and they range from the obscure “Don’t Like Goodbyes” (written with Truman Capote) to the treasure “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and if it has an intro, she knows it. Pianist-arranger John di Martino provides all the support she needs, but lovers of the art of filling gaps will dig trumpeter Tim Ouimette, reed man Joel Frahm, guitarist John Hart and bassist Sean Smith. Lovers of duets will dig the swinging intimacy of “As Long As I Live,” with Eric Comstock, her hubby.

Originally Published November 1, 2006