Victor and Penny (Jeff Frelin; guitar, vocals and Erin McGrane; ukulele, vocals) plus Rick Willoughby (upright bass) and James Isaac (clarinet, soprano saxophone) produce a vintage form of 1930s jazz, cum pop fuelled with innovative flair, and no little amount of guile and swing.
Kansas City born and raised, they are an ideal vocal collaboration. McGrane edges it on the vocal front, and Frelin with hints of Les Paul to his guitar style, instrumentally inspiring. Opening cut, Cole Porter’s “You’d Be So Nice To Come To” sets the benchmark, and with the likes of Duke Ellington’s “East St, Louis Toodle-oo” and Benny Davis - Harry Akst's dazzling 1923 composition “A Smile Will Go A Long, Long Way” (as Frelin near ignites the strings of his guitar! While “If It Ain’t Love” has Frelin provide fine lead vocals, prior to the jaunty “Indiscreet” and cheery, light and lively vaudeville piece “I’d Rather Be A Hummingbird” as the material remains strong and their arrangements in keeping with the era.
McGrane also gives an authentic, oldie pop feel to “Elaine, Elaine” —with Frelin tearing it up on guitar. Man, that guy certainly knows his way round the fret board, and frequently shows how it should be done without over doing it. Although this is a live recording, a fine one at that, I imagine they will be even better in the flesh. The type of act you won’t be able to take your eyes off as exciting licks, and vocal combinations unravel. Talking of which, the closing track “Cantina Band” (instrumental) is as good a piece you are likely to come across of its kind! Such the storm worked up by the duo (and bass playing Willoughby).
Maurice Hope