Bob Dorough and
Dave Frishberg (his co-leader on this CD) have a lot in common. Both are swinging pianists, likable vocalists that do not have conventional voices, and superb lyricists with very original wits. They only collaborated once before making this CD, writing "I'm Hip" back in 1965. In recent times
Ruth Price of Los Angeles' Jazz Bakery persuaded the pair to perform as a duo and this live recording is the result. After an instrumental version of "Rockin' in Rhythm,"
Frishberg and
Dorough perform a new classic by the former, "Who's on First," which deals with the difficulties of deciding who should perform first during their joint show!
Frishberg "won" and he sings and plays the biting "Lookin' Good" which is about the advantages of being good-looking in this society. Other highlights of the delightful program include the touching "You Are There," "Where You At,"
Dorough's "Health Food Nut," "Hong Kong Blues," "Devil May Care," "Nothing Like You," and, of course, "I'm Hip."
Frishberg and
Dorough also perform their long overdue second collaboration, "At the Saturday Dance," and the set concludes with
Dorough's catchy "Conjunction Function" from Schoolhouse Rock. This is a fun CD that lives up to its potential. ~ Scott Yanow