Laurent Courthaliac – In the Key of Sinatra

Covering hits from Frank Sinatra’s vast repertoire—that is, part of the Great American Songbook—is something of a challenge, given how inextricably linked these songs are to the tone and phrasing of the man nicknamed “The Voice.”

In addition to choosing to feature two excellent vocalists on five tracks, Laurent Courthaliac—for whom this is the first recording in about a decade—has focused on making his piano “sing,” and this aesthetic choice is a remarkable success.

The album opens with the ethereal chords of a majestically slow version of Fly Me to the Moon, sung with inspiration by Hugh Coltman, whom we discover in a crooner role that suits him perfectly.

Next comes the swaying liveliness of It Was a Very Good Year, performed by a trio in which Courthaliac has surrounded himself with two partners whose swing and bounce are impeccable: none other than Sylvain Romano and Gautier Garrigues.

We savor this reimagined repertoire with relish and constant delight, as it alternates between ballads and upbeat themes, vocal pieces and instrumentals.

The other voice belongs to Christie Dashiell, a singer I knew nothing about, who embodies these songs with a sensitivity and inspired phrasing that are utterly breathtaking.

Courthaliac’s ability to situate himself within tradition while remaining thoroughly contemporary is utterly compelling, and hearing his sparkling touch, his sense of swing and sonic drama—notably on short solo renditions of “Pennies from Heaven” and “New York, New York”—is a constant delight.

All in all, this is a magnificent album that, without taking a commercial approach to the standards, should win over a wide audience. And if you’re a fan of blindfold tests, I suggest you have your friends listen to this CD without knowing who’s playing. It’s highly unlikely they’ll guess that the trio performing these tunes is thoroughly French!