Jeff Harnar
I Know Things Now: My Life in Sondheim’s Words
(PS Classics)
June 19, 2022
Reviewed by Alix Cohen
With this unique CD, Jeff Harnar and Jon Weber weave a collection of Stephen Sondheim songs into something resembling a suite. In place of well-crafted bridges and underscoring, the lyrics and sentiments arc over, slide under, and partner and reverse, telling the artist’s story with nary a frayed edge. A swinging, urban “I Know Things Now” (an implicit raised eyebrow, a nod) transitions to “More” with the no-nonsense realization of a character whose eyes open wide in anticipation.
A querulous “Who wants to live in New York?” (from “Opening Doors”) with light, actively considering piano, segues into “Live Alone and Like It.” Harnar’s confident resolve conjures the style and brio of Irving Berlin’s “By Myself” as performed by Fred Astaire—when there’s no choice, keep your head up. No, higher. Someone gets through though “Sooner or Later,” here indicated by tapping on a phone. “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” the vocalist sings with frustration, listening bemused to his own words. The horns provide back-up “vocals.”
An exuberant arrangement of “Everybody Says Don’t” is emphasized by the last “don’t be afraid” spoken, not sung. It’s as if the vocalist was egging himself further. The story results? “Loving You” is like dappled sunlight on water, and “Losing My Mind” finds the singer with his besotted heart in his throat. The bass creates a pulse, the piano tiptoes. The song hurts like hell before its inevitable swell, a denouement followed by Harnar’s unusual, questioning finish.
Love sticks. “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” with a small laugh, epitomizing surprise, pleasure, and puzzlement appears to see its partner “What Can You Lose?” across a dance floor before they meet. It’s a faded valentine, everyone’s swaying memory. The artist has us by the heart. We don’t want this one to end.
“Getting Married Today” (with perfect enunciation) and “I’m Calm” are anxious without hysteria. The two songs create a pendulum swing of contradicting views. “But Jesus Christ is it fun?!” emerges not as reassurance (as in the original show), but rather a deer-in-headlights question. Harnar’s phrasing throughout has dramatic resonance. He imbues lyrics with personal reasons. Sympathy rises. What doesn’t work is “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd”; it’s the only square peg in a round hole.
“Every Day a Little Death” in duet with guest KT Sullivan finds the two old friends commiserating. Both bittersweet voices skim the air. A soft drum tap and chiaroscuro horns enhance. Harmony fades like airbrush. “Can That Boy Foxtrot” is droll, hip-and-wink cool. “Anyone Can Whistle” is simply gorgeous, a silken horn provides shadow.
An almost unrecognizable “Send in the Clowns” seems relevant. Even an exhaled string section avoids cliché. Pauses are immensely affecting. Silence never obtrudes; Harnar leaves notes in the air. There’s a sense of being freed that leads us to “Could I Leave You?” with cottony sarcasm. “Now You Know” and “Being Alive” take us back to feeling a broken heart was worth the experience. The selection overflows with yearning. It’s a love song to a stranger.
The arrangements are by Harnar and Weber, with Weber providing the orchestrations. Sondra Lee directs.
The CD is a creative accomplishment. The musicianship is first rate.
