With a Song in My Heart

by Wesla Whitfield

Overview

Nearly all the songs in Wesla Whitfield's CD of songs by Rodgers and Hart (or Hart and Rodgers, as she prefers to emphasize the considerable gifts of the lyricist) have been recorded countless times by jazz singers, not even tabulating similar songbooks devoted to one of Broadway's most gifted songwriting partnerships. But Whitfield makes sure she includes every commonly omitted verse, utilizing her powerful alto to mesh with pianist (and husband) Mike Greensill's innovative arrangements to add her own touch to each of the songs. Her inflections in the bittersweet "Spring Is Here" add a new depth to an already emotional song, while Greensill's perky chart of "This Can't Be Love" showcases Whitfield's playfulness. The phenomenal bassist Michael Moore adds a lot to this session as well; his matchless arco bass introduces the medley of "My Romance," which segues into the lively but neglected "Johnny One Note." While the productive partnership of Hart and Rodgers (or Rodgers and Hart for hard-headed traditionalists) is unlikely to be matched in the history of songwriting, the partnership of Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill is an extremely successful musical marriage that is always a delight to hear. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	09/28/1999
Label:	Highnote Records
UPC:	0632375704025
Rank:	150349

Tracks

1. With a Song in My Heart
2. Spring Is Here
3. Blue Moon
4. It's Easy to Remember
5. This Can't Be Love
6. Little Girl Blue
7. Manhattan
8. Medley: My Romance/Johnny One Note
9. You Are Too Beautiful
10. Thou Swell
11. He Was Too Good to Me
12. The Lady Is a Tramp
13. Ten Cents a Dance
14. Glad to Be Unhappy
15. You Took Advantage of Me
16. A Ship Without a Sail
17. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
18. You're Nearer

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Wesla Whitfield   Primary Artist,Vocals
Michael Moore   Guest Artist,Bass
Michael Greensill   Piano

Technical Credits

Richard Rodgers   Composer
Phil Edwards   Engineer,Remixing
Michael Moore   Arranger
Orrin Keepnews   Producer,Liner Notes
Jimmy Bruch   Photography
Steve Fontano   Assistant Engineer
Lorenz Hart   Composer
Michael Greensill   Arranger
Wesla Whitfield   Liner Notes