McCoy Tyner, one of the most vital of all jazz pianists, performs nine songs written by the superior pop composer
Burt Bacharach. Since the tunes selected include "Close to You," "A House Is Not a Home," "Alfie" and "The Look of Love," this project had potential. Unfortunately, the
Tyner trio (with bassist
Christian McBride and drummer
Lewis Nash) is accompanied by a huge string section and an orchestra given mostly surprisingly sappy and overly lush arrangements by
John Clayton (who is capable of much better). The pianist treats each melody as if it were precious, and the overall results are rather schlocky. Compare this lightweight version of "A House Is Not a Home" to
Jackie McLean's intense exploration or
Tyner's "Alfie" to
Sonny Rollins' for examples of how the pianist's project is an unimaginative misfire. A major disappointment. ~ Scott Yanow