Rosie's back with a new beat, a Bossa Nova beat. It's not that the incomparable Rosemary Clooney was ever afraid of taking on a challenge during her amazing 55-year career as a professional "girl singer." Opening a two-week engagement at Feinstein's At The Regency to launch the release of "Brazil," her new Concord album, Clooney demonstrated on opening night that her heart, if not her soul, was on the beat that has proved daunting to many a popular American singer. Appearing with Clooney is the personable guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli, who also performs with Clooney on the album. Although the 72-year-young Clooney could use a little help in the coiffure and couture department, she needs no one to tell her how to sing, even if the rocky opening night set didn't always go as smoothly as it undoubtedly will into the run. No singer could want a more sensual or exciting welcome ("Sweet Happy Life") than was provided by top-drawer musicians Pizzarelli, John Oddo (Piano), Glenn Drewes (Trumpet, Flugelhorn), Mark Vinci (Reeds), Jay Leonhart (Bass), Joe Cocuzzo (Drums), and Mauro Refosco (Percussion). Their backup throughout the set was no less than thrilling. "I'm so nervous," said Clooney, as she flubbed the lyrics in the classic"Brazil," only to quickly find her way back with the aplomb of a true professional. Whether referring frequently to the lyrics set out in front of her, or commenting slyly on them as asides, Clooney does inject a playful aspect to the mellow and melancholy songs of the set's most honored composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim. Of these, "Quiet Nights" and "Once I Loved" afforded Clooney the best opportunity to bask in their sentiments.
Lost once again in the labyrinth of Newton Ferreira de Mendonca's "DeSafinado" ("Slightly Out of Tune"), Clooney's aside, "What are we doing?" to co-singer Pizzarelli only brought the song closer to our shores. "Showoff," she shouted at Pizzarelli, as his scat singing and virtuoso playing brought spontaneous mid-song applause during their duet of Jobim's "One Note Samba." Clooney was back in stride with Pizzarelli for the carnival atmosphere provoked by "Let Go." There were some unexpected highlights, such as Pizzarelli's intensely introspective "Dindi," and Clooney's poignant homage to Sinatra, "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning." But it was when Clooney sang Dave Frishberg's amusing, globetrotting ditty, "Let's Eat Home," and wrapped up the set with a medley of "I Cried For You," "Who's Sorry Now," and "Goody Goody," that we knew the "girl singer" was in her most comfortable element, goody goody.
