Mary Foster Conklin: Photographs

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Mary Foster Conklin

Photographs

(Mock Turtle Music)

December 7, 2015

Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes

Mary-Foster-Conklin-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212As always, jazz stylist Mary Foster Conklin is a unique interpreter of meaningful songs about life. She breathes new life into “Moonglow” (Will Hudson/Irving Mills/ Eddie DeLange) and such rarities as “Key Largo” (Benny Carter/Leah Worth), recalling girl singers of another era. She has that knack for giving these songs wistful, moving treatments. She infuses the Paul McCartney gem, “For No One,” with just the right hint of longing and melancholia. With the brilliant John di Martino at the helm, the arrangements and the band are exceptional, showing just enough sensitivity that is never maudlin on the ballads, with perfectly balanced swing on the upbeat tunes. This is particularly so on several Fran Landesman songs, starting with the album’s title cut, “Photographs” (music: Alec Wilder). Here, Conklin is expressive and silky on this song about reflection. She coolly captures the sweet reminiscence of looking back on a love affair that was. The cut is a serious highlight on this must-have disc.

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Her supple alto is rich and longing on Landesman’s moody “Small Day Tomorrow” (a collaboration with Bob Dorough). She is equally up to a sultry “The Winds of Heaven” and a lively “Nothing Like You” (also collaborations with Dorough).

In an airy arrangement, the Johnny Mandel/Alan and Marilyn Bergman “Cinnamon and Clove” is enticing and she takes you to an unknown rendezvous that is intoxicating—as is Conklin. The philosophically profound “Long as You’re Living”(Julian Preseter/Tommy Turrentine/Oscar Brown, Jr.) wraps a package of optimism in a warm blanket that makes this musical journey the joy it is. This is a timeless disc by an insightful artist, filled with musical interludes that sizzle and with taunting songs about life and the realities we all know. Mary Foster Conklin has always been in a league of her own when it comes to singing about the real deal. Whether it’s with a tear or a sly wink, she seduces like no other.

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It’s all on this special album.

John Hoglund

For over 30 years, John Hoglund has been a respected entertainment writer covering cabaret, jazz, theater and recordings. His writings have appeared in numerous outlets including the Bistro Bits column for Back Stage. John moderated seminars and forums for the International Cabaret Conference At Yale. He produced many celebrity fundraisers in NYC including one of the first benefits after 9/11: “HeartSong:The Heroes' Concert” at The Bottom Line featuring 36 major stars. He co-produced “HeartSong2: The Heroes' Concert” for Katrina victims at Symphony Space and “Miracle On 35th Street” with a star-studded lineup. Other fund raising efforts include the first benefits for Broadway Cares and God's Love, We Deliver. John served on the Board of Directors of MAC for 12 years. He is well known for championing new and rising talents.