Mark Christian Miller: Crazy Moon

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Mark Christian Miller

Crazy Moon

August 16, 2015

(Sliding Jazz Door Productions)

Reviewed by Mary Bogue for Cabaret Scenes Magazine

Mark-Christian-Miller-Crazy-Moon-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212“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.

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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.

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”  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.

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Mary Bogue

Mary Bogue’s journey into the world of jazz began in 1981 when she was accepted by the Monterey Jazz Festival to cover the event as a writer. It was there that jazz tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate introduced her to the legendary vocalist Helen Humes. Their interview, later published in Jazz Dispatch and distributed at the Playboy Jazz Festival, marked the beginning of Bogue’s deep connection to jazz and storytelling. One unforgettable moment came when Humes introduced her to Count Basie, saying, “Bill, this is my friend Mary. Mary, this is Bill.” That simple introduction sparked a lifelong love for jazz and a passion for writing. Among her early interviews was a conversation with the legendary Les McCann, a connection that would come full circle years later when McCann joined Bogue on her debut album, Don’t Go to Strangers, released in 2012. The album, celebrated with a launch party hosted by KJZZ, gained national airplay and recognition. Her follow-up albums, Blue Smoke and One Night of Sin, further solidified her place in the jazz world. In 2015, Bogue was honored as a Living Legend of Jazz and recognized by the Duke Ellington Society, the United States Congress, the State of California, and the City of Los Angeles. Her cabaret career took off at the iconic Gardenia in Hollywood and continued in New York at the Metropolitan Room. That same year, she joined Cabaret Scenes Magazine as a reviewer of both cabaret shows and CDs, continuing to champion jazz and cabaret through both performance and the written word. In addition to her accomplishments in music and journalism, Mary is also an accomplished visual artist. She has designed album covers and created a wide range of artwork, including oil paintings of blues singers and expressive watercolors. Her visual work, much like her music, reflects her deep passion for the soul and spirit of jazz and blues.