Disney Jazz, Vol. 1 | Everybody Wants To Be A Cat

Disney Jazz, Vol. 1 | Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
by Brent Faulkner

Disney Jazz, Vol. 1-Everybody Wants To Be a Cat is exactly how the first
portion of the title reads – jazz interpretations of some timeless
Disney gems. Compilation efforts with various artists often suffer from
not being cohesively strong, however this exceptionally strong and
creative venture easily ‘bucks’ any low expectations for the compilation
album. With no outright misses to speak of, Disney Jazz, Vol. 1 proves
to be a star-studded and splendid listen.

The album opens with the title track “Ev’rybody Wants to be a Cat,”
featuring jazz trumpet standout Roy Hargrove. The setting of this cut
further accentuates and amps up the jazzy nature of this classic from
the 1970 Disney film, The Aristocats. Hargrove’s trumpet solo is a
highlight, not to mention some fantastic harmonic ideas from the
pianist; It is sheer excellence. “Chim Chim Cher-ee” features recent
Grammy-award recipient Esperanza Spalding singing the melody of this
classic on neutral vocal syllables. While it doesn’t steal the show from
the title track, this cut proves to be incredibly creative, not to
mention the use of accordion, which makes the timbre incredibly unique.

“Some Day My Prince Will Come” was already solidified as a jazz standard
‘way back when’ given jazz legend Miles Davis’s take on the Snow White
classic. Here, Dave Brubeck’s take (piano) is absolutely beautiful, most
notable for his brilliant sense of music theory and harmony. Jazz
violinist Regina Carter joins the compilation on the creative “Find
Yourself” from Cars. Not as straightforward as Brubeck’s performance,
the creativity still pours from Carter and her exceptional supporting
cast (another accordion is featured).

“You’ve Got A Friend in Me” features saxophone talent Joshua Redman
performing in a minimalist setting (sax, bass and drums, no piano).
“He’s A Tramp” adds the grand vocals of Dianne Reeves in a sultry
performance of The Lady and the Tramp classic. Kurt Rosenwinkle’s
interpretation of an unlikely candidate for jazz treatment (“Feed the
Birds (Tuppence A Bag)”) proves to be one of the compilation’s most
brilliant moments. The synchronization between guitar and piano proves
to be a fine effect.

“Gaston” (Beauty and the Beast), another unlikely choice, receives a
schizophrenic, though genius interpretation by Bad Plus. Roberta
Gambarini stuns on a beautiful vocal effort on “Alice in Wonderland.”
The show-stopping performance is by prodigiously talented pianist
Alfredo Rodriguez whose take on The Jungle Book classic “The Bare
Necessities” is nothing short of breathtaking and virtuosic in quality.

“It’s a Small World” is a pleasure to listen to, featuring young
vocalist Nikki Yanofsky showing some incredible range and indisputable
talent. “Belle” from Beauty and the Beast gets the ‘jazz’ treatment from
guitarist Gilad Hekselman who makes this unlikely cut work to
perfection (he even quotes title track “Beauty and the Beast” at the
end). “Circle of Life,” performed by trumpeter Mark Rapp, closes the
effort strongly in a fusion-driven arrangement.

Overall, this compilation effort is brilliant, featuring the exceptional
talents of jazz artists young (Nikki) and old (Dave Brubeck). For both
Disney and jazz enthusiasts, this is a ‘must have.’

Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene