by Scott Yanow
For one of Dave Grusin's most jazz-oriented film scores, the music used in The Fabulous Baker Boys (and included on this CD) has fairly straight-ahead originals played by a sextet (plus strings) that includes Grusin's keyboards, tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts and guitarist Lee Ritenour. In addition, Mercer Ellington put together a big band to perform &Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me,& the Earl Palmer Trio plays &Lullaby of Birdland,& and a 1936 recording of the Benny Goodman Quartet performing &Moonglow& is utilized. But the real surprise of the movie (and the CD) is that actress Michelle Pfeiffer does a credible job singing &Makin' Whoopee& and &My Funny Valentine.&