Liner Notes from "Back to Back"
The Artists
Kevin McCarthy:
If you are in the Seattle area, you would likely find Kevin fronting his own group in some of the many local jazz venues including Tula’s and The Asteroid Café. Or you might find him joining other groups all over the Puget Sound area. He’s always a welcome part of the summer Centrum Jazz Workshop in Port Townsend.
Jeremy Jones:
We heard about Jeremy from Kevin. It was a great recommendation! His percussion is right on the mark and adds so much to this project. His style and originality bring life to each tune. He can be found performing at various venues in the Puget Sound area.
Steve Christofferson:
Steve has been a composer/pianist in the Portland/West Coast jazz scene for many years. He has performed at a wide variety of venues, both locally and internationally. He has released two albums with jazz great Nancy King, Perennial and Dream Lands. The latter is an album project commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His most recent release of piano tunes is called Skol Brothers. We were fortunate to meet him at the Bud Shank Centrum Jazz Workshop. His patience, thoughtful suggestions, and wonderful interpretive skills were most appreciated.
Dawn Clement:
If you've been reading articles in Earshot Jazz, 5/4 Magazine, All About Jazz and similar publications, you're sure to have come across the name Dawn Clement. A graduate of Cornish Institute, she has performed around the US and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, Seattle's Benaroya Hall, and numerous other venues. Her latest CD release, Hush, was nominated for Earshot Jazz Record of the Year. Her brand of energy and skill added a wonderful dimension to this project. We were truly fortunate to have her on this album.
Valerie J. Phimister:
Val comes from a show business family. Her mother, Margaret Lenhart, was a radio network singer for many years, as well as a "ghost" singer for numerous movie stars, and a mainstay vocalist on the Camel Show with Bing Crosby. Her father, Ray Erlenborn, started out in vaudeville, silent movies, and eventually became the preeminent sound effects technician in movies, radio, and television. Val has been singing and writing her own music since high school. Her musical interests are varied. Not only does she love jazz standards, she is an active touring performer with the USS Constellation Crew. Her guitar work on “Partners for Life” is beautifully straightforward and speaks of her craft and versatility. After teaching English for thirty years, it's time for music and the arts!
Mike James Phimister:
When his kindergarten teacher asked what he would do for Show and Tell, Mike said he would sing “Surrey With the Fringe on Top.” So it started. He immersed himself in music throughout his school years. When the neo-folk movement started, and later the pop tunes of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, he began performing in the Detroit area. Shortly after moving to Seattle, Mike began performing as a single and eventually with Victory Sings at Sea Chorus, a chantey group. He was a featured performer on both their albums, Victory Sings at Sea and Curse of the Somers. He and Val currently perform with the USS Constellation Crew and are on their two albums, Songs of the USS Constellation and Back to Sea. Jazz standards have always been close to his heart, and this project brings fruition to a lifelong dream. He will soon retire from his work as a high school counselor and hopes to continue performing and building driftwood furniture.
If you are in the Seattle area, you would likely find Kevin fronting his own group in some of the many local jazz venues including Tula’s and The Asteroid Café. Or you might find him joining other groups all over the Puget Sound area. He’s always a welcome part of the summer Centrum Jazz Workshop in Port Townsend.
Jeremy Jones:
We heard about Jeremy from Kevin. It was a great recommendation! His percussion is right on the mark and adds so much to this project. His style and originality bring life to each tune. He can be found performing at various venues in the Puget Sound area.
Steve Christofferson:
Steve has been a composer/pianist in the Portland/West Coast jazz scene for many years. He has performed at a wide variety of venues, both locally and internationally. He has released two albums with jazz great Nancy King, Perennial and Dream Lands. The latter is an album project commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His most recent release of piano tunes is called Skol Brothers. We were fortunate to meet him at the Bud Shank Centrum Jazz Workshop. His patience, thoughtful suggestions, and wonderful interpretive skills were most appreciated.
Dawn Clement:
If you've been reading articles in Earshot Jazz, 5/4 Magazine, All About Jazz and similar publications, you're sure to have come across the name Dawn Clement. A graduate of Cornish Institute, she has performed around the US and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, Seattle's Benaroya Hall, and numerous other venues. Her latest CD release, Hush, was nominated for Earshot Jazz Record of the Year. Her brand of energy and skill added a wonderful dimension to this project. We were truly fortunate to have her on this album.
Valerie J. Phimister:
Val comes from a show business family. Her mother, Margaret Lenhart, was a radio network singer for many years, as well as a "ghost" singer for numerous movie stars, and a mainstay vocalist on the Camel Show with Bing Crosby. Her father, Ray Erlenborn, started out in vaudeville, silent movies, and eventually became the preeminent sound effects technician in movies, radio, and television. Val has been singing and writing her own music since high school. Her musical interests are varied. Not only does she love jazz standards, she is an active touring performer with the USS Constellation Crew. Her guitar work on “Partners for Life” is beautifully straightforward and speaks of her craft and versatility. After teaching English for thirty years, it's time for music and the arts!
Mike James Phimister:
When his kindergarten teacher asked what he would do for Show and Tell, Mike said he would sing “Surrey With the Fringe on Top.” So it started. He immersed himself in music throughout his school years. When the neo-folk movement started, and later the pop tunes of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, he began performing in the Detroit area. Shortly after moving to Seattle, Mike began performing as a single and eventually with Victory Sings at Sea Chorus, a chantey group. He was a featured performer on both their albums, Victory Sings at Sea and Curse of the Somers. He and Val currently perform with the USS Constellation Crew and are on their two albums, Songs of the USS Constellation and Back to Sea. Jazz standards have always been close to his heart, and this project brings fruition to a lifelong dream. He will soon retire from his work as a high school counselor and hopes to continue performing and building driftwood furniture.
The Songs
1. The Lady Is a Tramp - This 1937 product of Rogers and Hart started life with a verse and several refrains. The original lyrics were written in first person for a female singer. Mike presents the shorter, more recognizable portion of the larger body of this tune, using the lyrics commonly used by male vocalists who want to have their share of fun singing this piece. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson;
Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
2. Our Love Is Here To Stay - Sometimes referred to as “Love Is Here to Stay,” this song was featured in the 1938 production of The Goldwyn Follies. It was the last song written by George Gershwin, who died of a brain tumor at age 38 before the entire score was complete. Ira Gershwin enlisted the aid of Vernon Duke in completing the score, including the lyrics for the song’s verse. (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
3. That’s All - This song was written by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes in 1952. It has enjoyed long lasting popularity with a great many singers, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat Cole. Most recently, it could be heard in the movie, The Wedding Singer. Dawn’s treatment of this favorite is outstanding.
(Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy)
4. What’s New - Recorded in 1940 by Bing Crosby, this tune began life from the pen of bassist Bob Haggart. It was called “I’m Free.” Johnny Burke (who along with Jimmy Van Heusen dubbed the “Gold Dust Twins” by Crosby) heard Billy Butterfield do a trumpet solo of “I’m Free,” and they put lyrics to it. Magic happens! Listen for Val to artfully jump octaves on this one. (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
5. Georgia - As Overton Berry would say, “Half the world thinks Ray Charles wrote ‘Georgia.’ The other half thinks that Willie Nelson wrote it. Hoagy Carmichael doesn’t care what the world thinks. He just keeps taking the royalties to the bank.” Actually, Hoagy wrote the music, and Stuart Gorrell wrote the lyrics. It all happened in 1930. Listen for Steve’s combination of piano and melodica on this tune. He remarkably plays both instruments at the same time. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano & Melodica – Steve Christofferson;
Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
6. Brazil - This tune was written in 1941 by S. K. Russell and Ary Barroso. Val works with the band, using great vocal control and musical feel, to lure the listener into this benchmark of Latin tunes. And then, WHAMMO! All the lights come on! Jeremy’s percussion really puts a nice edge on this piece.
(Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
7. Since I Fell For You - Woodrow Wilson “Buddy” Johnson wrote this tune in 1948. He and his orchestra enjoyed popularity in the 40s and 50s, particularly among dance enthusiasts at the Savoy Ballroom. As musical tastes changed, he developed an R&B piano style, and worked with his sister, Ella, who had a great blues delivery. In his day he was known as the “King of the One Nighters.” (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy)
8. You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To - In 1943, this Cole Porter song was nominated for an Oscar. It did not win (see Harry Warren Music.com); yet it seems to have enjoyed a much longer musical life than many of its competitors. Cole Porter tunes have a way of doing that. (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
9. Body and Soul - Johnny Green left his Wall Street gig in 1930 and followed his bliss - writing music. With lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Lyon, there was born the song that is said to be the most popular torch/jazz tune ever. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
10. Partners For Life - Val originally wrote this song for a relative’s wedding. She does her own guitar work, and is joined by Steve Christofferson on the piano and Kevin McCarthy on bass. It’s a sweet love song that’s appropriate for any occasion, not just a wedding. (Vocal & Guitar – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy)
11. Old Devil Moon - Isidore Hochberg (aka “Yip” Harburg) teamed with Burton Lane in 1947 to write the music for Finian’s Rainbow. This tune was just one of many from that production that became classics. The rendering of this song was a bit challenging for us until Kevin suggested a “Killer Joe” feel. The rest of the arrangement fell into place. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy;
Drums – Jeremy Jones)
12. Someone To Watch Over Me - Another pearl from the Gershwin brothers, this song took to the airways in 1930. It was written for the production of Crazy for You. Steve was hearing this song with the verse, and he suggested that Val include it. Great idea! What you hear on this recording is her first time singing the verse. Wow! (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
13. I’ve Got You Under My Skin - This 1936 creation, along with “Easy to Love,” were among Cole Porter’s first attempts at writing a score exclusively for the movies. The movie was Born to Dance, starring Eleanor Powell and Jimmy Stewart. The song would later become Frank Sinatra’s signature song.
(Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
14. As Time Goes By - Written by Herman Hupfeld in 1931, this song is believed to be his best work. I can still see and hear Dooley Wilson (Sam) seated at his piano at the “Café Americain,” playing the tune for Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in the film Casablanca. Aaahhhhh! (Vocal – Mike James Phimister;
Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
15. Teach Me Tonight - This 1954 pop hit was penned by Sammy Cahn and Gene DePaul. Each had illustrious careers writing for Broadway, the movies, and the top vocalists of the 40s and 50s. This tune appears to be the one most remembered from their brief partnership. It is the perfect tune for Val – an English teacher for 30 years. (Vocal – Valerie James Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
16. Night and Day- Cole Porter is known for his ability to weave lyrics, music, and emotion into a beautiful package. Written for the 1932 Broadway show The Gay Divorce, Porter stated that his inspiration for this song was the result of hearing a religious chant while on an excursion through the Middle East.
(Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
17. It Had To Be You - Gus Kahn and Isham (pronounced “eye-sham”) Jones put their musical masterminds together to create this song in 1924. It is one of the most recorded songs of all time. This and other tunes have been whacking around in Mike’s head since he was a “punk kid,” making it hard for him to study or even sleep. He says, “If the ADD label would have been around it would have become my nickname.” This song had to be part of this project. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement;
Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
Produced at: David Lange Studios, Edgewood, Washington.
Recorded, Engineered, and Mixed by: David Lange
Produced by: Mike & Valerie Phimister, and David Lange, 2006.
Cover Photo: Joe Breskin
Copyright Seachordmusic, 2006, all rights reserved.
Ordering and booking information: seachordmusic@comcast.net
Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
2. Our Love Is Here To Stay - Sometimes referred to as “Love Is Here to Stay,” this song was featured in the 1938 production of The Goldwyn Follies. It was the last song written by George Gershwin, who died of a brain tumor at age 38 before the entire score was complete. Ira Gershwin enlisted the aid of Vernon Duke in completing the score, including the lyrics for the song’s verse. (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
3. That’s All - This song was written by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes in 1952. It has enjoyed long lasting popularity with a great many singers, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat Cole. Most recently, it could be heard in the movie, The Wedding Singer. Dawn’s treatment of this favorite is outstanding.
(Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy)
4. What’s New - Recorded in 1940 by Bing Crosby, this tune began life from the pen of bassist Bob Haggart. It was called “I’m Free.” Johnny Burke (who along with Jimmy Van Heusen dubbed the “Gold Dust Twins” by Crosby) heard Billy Butterfield do a trumpet solo of “I’m Free,” and they put lyrics to it. Magic happens! Listen for Val to artfully jump octaves on this one. (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
5. Georgia - As Overton Berry would say, “Half the world thinks Ray Charles wrote ‘Georgia.’ The other half thinks that Willie Nelson wrote it. Hoagy Carmichael doesn’t care what the world thinks. He just keeps taking the royalties to the bank.” Actually, Hoagy wrote the music, and Stuart Gorrell wrote the lyrics. It all happened in 1930. Listen for Steve’s combination of piano and melodica on this tune. He remarkably plays both instruments at the same time. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano & Melodica – Steve Christofferson;
Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
6. Brazil - This tune was written in 1941 by S. K. Russell and Ary Barroso. Val works with the band, using great vocal control and musical feel, to lure the listener into this benchmark of Latin tunes. And then, WHAMMO! All the lights come on! Jeremy’s percussion really puts a nice edge on this piece.
(Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
7. Since I Fell For You - Woodrow Wilson “Buddy” Johnson wrote this tune in 1948. He and his orchestra enjoyed popularity in the 40s and 50s, particularly among dance enthusiasts at the Savoy Ballroom. As musical tastes changed, he developed an R&B piano style, and worked with his sister, Ella, who had a great blues delivery. In his day he was known as the “King of the One Nighters.” (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy)
8. You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To - In 1943, this Cole Porter song was nominated for an Oscar. It did not win (see Harry Warren Music.com); yet it seems to have enjoyed a much longer musical life than many of its competitors. Cole Porter tunes have a way of doing that. (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
9. Body and Soul - Johnny Green left his Wall Street gig in 1930 and followed his bliss - writing music. With lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Lyon, there was born the song that is said to be the most popular torch/jazz tune ever. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
10. Partners For Life - Val originally wrote this song for a relative’s wedding. She does her own guitar work, and is joined by Steve Christofferson on the piano and Kevin McCarthy on bass. It’s a sweet love song that’s appropriate for any occasion, not just a wedding. (Vocal & Guitar – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy)
11. Old Devil Moon - Isidore Hochberg (aka “Yip” Harburg) teamed with Burton Lane in 1947 to write the music for Finian’s Rainbow. This tune was just one of many from that production that became classics. The rendering of this song was a bit challenging for us until Kevin suggested a “Killer Joe” feel. The rest of the arrangement fell into place. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy;
Drums – Jeremy Jones)
12. Someone To Watch Over Me - Another pearl from the Gershwin brothers, this song took to the airways in 1930. It was written for the production of Crazy for You. Steve was hearing this song with the verse, and he suggested that Val include it. Great idea! What you hear on this recording is her first time singing the verse. Wow! (Vocal – Valerie Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
13. I’ve Got You Under My Skin - This 1936 creation, along with “Easy to Love,” were among Cole Porter’s first attempts at writing a score exclusively for the movies. The movie was Born to Dance, starring Eleanor Powell and Jimmy Stewart. The song would later become Frank Sinatra’s signature song.
(Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
14. As Time Goes By - Written by Herman Hupfeld in 1931, this song is believed to be his best work. I can still see and hear Dooley Wilson (Sam) seated at his piano at the “Café Americain,” playing the tune for Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in the film Casablanca. Aaahhhhh! (Vocal – Mike James Phimister;
Piano – Dawn Clement; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
15. Teach Me Tonight - This 1954 pop hit was penned by Sammy Cahn and Gene DePaul. Each had illustrious careers writing for Broadway, the movies, and the top vocalists of the 40s and 50s. This tune appears to be the one most remembered from their brief partnership. It is the perfect tune for Val – an English teacher for 30 years. (Vocal – Valerie James Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
16. Night and Day- Cole Porter is known for his ability to weave lyrics, music, and emotion into a beautiful package. Written for the 1932 Broadway show The Gay Divorce, Porter stated that his inspiration for this song was the result of hearing a religious chant while on an excursion through the Middle East.
(Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Steve Christofferson; Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
17. It Had To Be You - Gus Kahn and Isham (pronounced “eye-sham”) Jones put their musical masterminds together to create this song in 1924. It is one of the most recorded songs of all time. This and other tunes have been whacking around in Mike’s head since he was a “punk kid,” making it hard for him to study or even sleep. He says, “If the ADD label would have been around it would have become my nickname.” This song had to be part of this project. (Vocal – Mike James Phimister; Piano – Dawn Clement;
Bass – Kevin McCarthy; Drums – Jeremy Jones)
Produced at: David Lange Studios, Edgewood, Washington.
Recorded, Engineered, and Mixed by: David Lange
Produced by: Mike & Valerie Phimister, and David Lange, 2006.
Cover Photo: Joe Breskin
Copyright Seachordmusic, 2006, all rights reserved.
Ordering and booking information: seachordmusic@comcast.net