Bob Dorough & Dave Frishberg: Who's On First

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: October 1, 2000

Bob Dorough & Dave Frishberg: Who's On First

They co-composed "I'm Hip" 35 years ago and their paths have crossed many times since then. They worked together on Schoolhouse Rock. And yet, Bob Dorough and Dave Frishberg had not yet recorded an album together. This one, created last year in performance at The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, is due to be released October 24th.

What individuals! As songwriters, both have come up with memorable keepers. For this performance, two grand pianos were placed facing each other on the stage. They do almost half the program together in that manner. In addition, each performs four songs alone.

Besides their comical, vaudevillian show tunes, the program includes pretty ballads such as Frishberg's "Underdog" & "You Are There" and Dorough's "Devil May Care" & "Nothing Like You." This program, an overview from both of these not-to-be-missed songsters, heralds the work of two very different jazz singers. Both Dorough and Frishberg represent tongue-in-cheek hipster humor while maintaining excellent musical standards throughout.

Track Listing: Rockin' in Rhythm; Who's On First?; Lookin' Good; Too Long in L.A.; You Are There; The Underdog; Where You At?; Health Food Nut; Devil May Care; Nothing Like You; Hong Kong Blues; I'm Hip; Saturday Dance; Conjuction Junction.

Personnel: Bob Dorough: vocal, piano; Dave Frishberg: vocal, piano.

Record Label: Blue Note Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream