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Tierney Sutton
Dancing In The Dark
Vocalist Tierney Sutton interprets the work of an entertainment legend with the release of Dancing in the Dark: Inspired by the Music of Frank Sinatra. Inspired by the music of Frank Sinatra, Sutton’s fourth Telarc recording features her longstanding quartet of Christian Jacob on piano, Trey Henry on bass and Ray Brinker on drums.
Produced by Elaine Martone, Dancing in the Dark recreates some of the drama of the life, emotion and spirit that was Sinatra. The follow-up to Sutton’s acclaimed Something Cool, this album of predominantly ballads includes hits like “All the Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “What’ll I Do,” as well as overlooked gems such as “I’ll Be Around,” “Emily” and “I Think of You.” The recording features strings on a number of tracks, and liner notes by renowned New York radio personality Jonathan Schwartz.
Sutton says, “The band used the same arranging process for the strings that we’ve used to arrange all of our albums. Of course, Christian Jacob did all of the orchestration, but we consulted quite a bit about what we wanted. The other thing that Christian did, that I think is somewhat unique, is that he arranged around our improvised ideas. That way the strings emerge organically out of our group process.”
She adds, “After spending a lot of time with Sinatra’s ballad records, I think of those as the essential Sinatra and wanted to pay tribute. The media image I grew up with was the happy-go-lucky Sinatra, but it’s the darkness that fascinates me more.”
“These songs are fantastic, finely crafted tunes and they’re accessible to everyone,” says Martone, producer of all four of Sutton’s Telarc recordings. “Before we went into the studio, Tierney and I talked about a variety of Sinatra tunes. But once we began recording, it became clear to us that we were doing an album of ballads. Right away, we knew we wanted to include ‘Without a Song’ and finish with ‘Last Dance.’ The rest of the session was spent delving into what Tierney wanted to express about her relationship to the songs. We were interested in constructing the CD as a journey from hope to despair back to hope.”
It takes courage to record Sinatra, especially considering the current glut of tributes, reissues and outtakes. But according to Sutton, “If you’re passionate about what you do, then you don’t think in that way. Instead, I sing music that I like to listen to, and I listen to a lot of Sinatra.”
Even though Sinatra’s songbook is immense, much of it has been forgotten. “There are lots of songs that almost no one records, like ‘I Think of You,’” says Sutton. “Although many of the songs that we chose were not big hits for Sinatra, in each case I felt his commitment to the song, either because he had recorded it more than once or because his version remains the standard.”
At times heartbreaking, at times cool, Dancing in the Dark is always mesmerizing. Sinatra’s career—like his life—was often a dramatic and emotional rollercoaster. The synergy between Sutton’s striking vocal technique and Sinatra’s timeless material helps enlighten his legacy.
Scheduled to coincide with the release of Dancing in the Dark, Sutton has a four-week engagement in the famed Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel in New York from February 17 to March 13, 2004.
Reviews and Quotes
"She brings a dramatic vocal presence to this material that is distinctly personal and appealingly contemplative. Favorite moments include "Emily," the title track, "Fly Me to the Moon," "I'll Be Around" and "What'll I Do." There's a genuine calmness to "Dancing in the Dark," and in this twilight mood, Sutton delivers a beautiful vocal performance."
~ Billboard Magazine
"Jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton says she was inspired by the 1950s and '60s ballads of Frank Sinatra in recording "Dancing in the Dark." On her fourth Telarc CD, the versatile songstress is by now so well- versed in this material that she and her impeccable quartet turn them into original statements. Like Old Blue Eyes, Sutton brings a cool reserve to songs such as "Fly Me to the Moon" and "All the Way," stepping back to give the songs a chance to breathe and live. Her style is soft as silk and smooth as fine bourbon."
~ Chicago Sun Times
"Orchestral arrangements by (Christian) Jacob provide additional enhancement, but it is Sutton's mellifluous voice, musicianly phrasing and stirring interaction with her players that spark new life into these familiar songs."
~ Los Angeles Times
"A Sinatra song cycle with strings but without a hint of swagger, "Dancing in the Dark" makes for a lovely jazz valentine."
~ Washington Post
"Sutton's phrasing is superb."
~ Associated Press
"Any contemporary singer who evokes the standard-bearer Frank Sinatra is courting danger, but on Sutton? new album, ?ancing in the Dark,?she finds her own way into the Master? material. Her delicate swing and sensitivity are bracing."
~ The New Yorker
?..Tierney Sutton? Dancing in the Dark is inspired by, and includes songs from, the darker side of the Frank Sinatra songbook. When you?e loved and lost the way Frank has, then you know what life? about.?~ Vanity Fair
?..an uncompromising experimenter on par with Patricia Barber and Kurt Elling...[Dancing in the Dark]proves that those who sing what they believe and believe what they sing will always be coolest. Just like Sinatra.?~ Jazz Times
?She jazz listening audience will fall in love with this CD. Highly recommended. This is a memorable, intimate listening experience, one to be savored again and again, often.?~ JazzReview.com
?Sutton's new CD is absolutely delicious and very satisfying. Everything about the sound quality, phrasing, coloring and delivery is superb. Five stars and more...perhaps the best jazz album of 2004.?~ Capitol Community News
?utton has simply arrived?nd it may be the grandest arrival of the year. A killer from top to bottom.?~ Midwest Record Recap
Song Titles
1. What'll I Do
2. Only the Lonely
3. I'll Be Around
4. All the Way
5. I Think of You
6. Where or When
7. Without a Song
8. I Could Have Told You
9. Emily
10. Last Night When We Were Young
11. Fly Me to the Moon
12. Last Dance / Dancing in the Dark
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