The Carioca: Songs of Vincent Youmans

Pianist William Bolcom and mezzo-soprano Joan Morris, husband and wife musical duo, always bring out the best in one another, though they occasionally add a male vocalist, as they do for some of the selections heard in these sessions covering the works of Vincent Youmans. Tenor Robert White complements Morris' voice perfectly, without resorting to the histrionics typical of many singers. They almost seem to be vocally dancing together in their inspired interpretation of "The Carioca," while they milk all of the humor within "Nicodemus." Morris also excels in her duets with Bolcom, highlighted by "Lucky Bird." Interspersed between some of the tracks are excerpts of original acetates by Youmans himself; although the difference in fidelity is striking, it is interesting to hear the composer's original concept of his music.