Mark Christian Miller
Crazy Moon
August 16, 2015
(Sliding Jazz Door Productions)
Reviewed by Mary Bogue for Cabaret Scenes Magazine
“What price happiness?” They’re the first words out of his mouth on this swinging CD, Crazy Moon. Just let it play and you’ll be tapping your foot to Mark Christian Miller’s first cut, “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away)” a lively rendition of the Harry Barris, Ted Koehler and Billy Moll standard, brightly arranged by Jamieson Trotter. Miller conjures up white tuxedo jackets and black patent leather shoes on a dance floor, carrying the song in an easy-does-it swing.
Just as you get ready to leave the dance floor, you find yourself in a Latin mood and doing a samba to “Tomorrow Is My Turn,” thanks to percussionist Billy Harris. Miller gets us in the mood and in comes Ron Stout on trumpet and Dave Robaire on bass.
There is no turning back from this party. But don’t sit down yet because Sammy Miller on drums insists that you grab your dance partner and bring them “Cheek to Cheek.
” On those glorious 88s, it’s Josh Nelson whose fingers fly and you find yourself smiling big and doing a little head bobbing to Nelson and Miller’s arrangement.
Catch your breath with “Second Chance” from the familiar movie, Two for the Seesaw; this time it’s Ron Stout on trumpet who coaxes you to move in a little closer on this jazzy ballad where Miller stretches out, making it easier to fall into his voice, like a glass of scotch and a drop of soda.
Close your eyes and dream a little to “Oh, You Crazy Moon” because most surely Peggy Lee is walking into the room with Sinatra, ready to show us what a groove is, though there is more zing in this version than others I’ve heard, therefore challenging the lyrical content. Miller gets a nice assist from the great Larry Koonse on guitar.
In “I’ve Got Just About Everything” one might feel the lightness of a Michael Franks song with great bass work bringing it on home. “April Fooled Me” allows us to relax into Miller’s tender voice where the lyrics are served with a lovely emotional plea and a bit of heartbreak. I think it’s one of my favorites, and Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields would be pleased to hear their composition so aptly delivered.
Look around for your waitperson, because the last number, “Almost in Your Arms,” is served up in a fast tempo, including a surprising drum solo, and it’s time to call it a night at the end of the CD. So, I ask, what price happiness? Happiness goes from $13 and change to shy of $19, depending on where you buy Mark Christian Miller’s Crazy Moon.
