Lost In the Stars – Deborah Shulman & Larry Zalkind

8 July 2014

Lost In the Stars – Deborah Shulman & Larry Zalkind

”Songs by Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Kurt Weill all share elements seldom seen in current composition: good melody and even better lyrics. “Lost in the Stars” is a collection of 14 classics from these three composers from singer Deborah Shulman and trombonist Larry Zalkind. They do them in a jazz-like fashion, with small bits of improvisation from the instrumentalists. But the best part of album is the song presentation of Shulman, who has a fine mezzo voice and a great grasp of songs. Her versions of Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen” and “Not While I’m Around” have all the heart needed in those pieces. Her “The Ladies Who Lunch” has a sense of swing and cynicism. The most original version, though, is her slow version of “Mack the Knife” with a string trio and accordion. Besides fine accompaniment throughout, an overdubbed Zalkind also is a one-man section on “My Ship.” Simply put, this is fine music.”
-Bob Karlovits
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Read more >