Something's Got to Give

Fred Astaire was as complete a performer as ever graced the entertainment scene anywhere. A top-flight dancer and actor, he also sang in his rather light, range-limited voice. Limitations notwithstanding, the elite of American popular song composers vied to get Astaire to introduce their songs, and he probably introduced more than any other performer of his era. Numerous albums have recognized Astaire's contributions by recording tribute albums. Scottish pianist Brian Kellock has added his name to the list with this trio album of songs associated with Astaire in one way or another. Kellock is as interested in Astaire's dancing interpretations as his singing. On "They Can't Take That Away From Me," Kellock uses extensive tremolo, arpeggios, and cadenzas to frolic across the keys like Astaire danced over the floor. This is the longest track on the CD at more than 11-and-a-half minutes. Kellock and his trio use the time to ventilate every nook and cranny of the Gershwin Brothers' masterpiece of American popular song. But Kellock does not attack every song with the same level of vigor. He offers considerable performing diversions. His arrangement of "I Concentrate on You" has a slow, almost solemn piano played against the barely discernible tom tom and ride cymbal of John Rae. Then there's the jazzy, boppish rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight," which Astaire introduced in the 1936 film Swing Time. In the hands of Kellock 60 years later, it is just as fresh and contemporary as it was back then. This track includes some robust drum breaks by Rae. More good stuff comes with Ken Ellis on bass as he stakes out "The Continental" as his own territory. This CD is a good mainstream jazz performance of familiar material aligned with a forgotten performer.