Leftover Dreams is Patrice Haan and Tony Marcus singing gems of the great American songbook with stunning harmonies and burnished accompaniment. Tony Marcus is a veteran of such groups as Cats & Jammers and the Cheap Suit Serenaders and plays guitar with style and wit while singing in a voice that has been called "The definition of mellifluous" (Derk Richardson in The Express). Patrice Haan’s voice has been described as a "velvety alto/tenor" (Kerry Parker in the Folknik), and her intimate delivery of lyrics never fails to reach audiences. Often performing with Jeff Sanford on reeds, the group presents a sampling of the best of the classic songs of Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins, Harold Arlen and such mixed with lesser known delights that haven’t seen the light of day for decades. As for the playing, "Marcus spins out dazzling and emotionally evocative solos" (Derk Richardson again).
We'll Take Romance, the second CD by San Francisco Bay Area duo Leftover Dreams, further explores the backroads of American popular song between the two world wars, with a goodly number of songs that didn't make it to hit status, but nonetheless have that certain something that makes them stand out. The duet is ably assisted on some numbers by Jim Rothermel and Jeff Sanford on reeds and Rene Worst and Bing Nathan on string bass.
Well known songwriters of the day such as Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Oscar Hammerstein and Jimmy Van Heusen all contribute songs, but so do some more obscure songsmiths like Bernice Petkere, Ted Fiorito and Ben Oakland. The numbers range from the uptempo swing of Just In Time to the sultry latin feel of Close Your Eyes and the .. well .. sentimental sounds of In a Sentimental Mood.
This collection shows the music much as it would be performed live, without extensive studio processing. If you enjoy great songs well sung with imaginative arrangements and superb accompaniment you should check out We'll Take Romance!
Leftover Dreams is the title of their first CD on the Tuxedo label. Featured on the CD are Bill Napier on clarinet and Bing Nathan on string bass. From the start of his career, Bill Napier was one of the most original clarinet players around. Though originally from Asheville, North Carolina, he began playing with traditional jazz bands such as Bob Scobey and Turk Murphy after he moved to the San Francisco bay area in the 1940s. His style avoids stylistic cliches, however, and his playing sounded new and interesting in whatever musical context it appeared. He died in May, 2003, and we believe that Leftover Dreams was his last recording session.
Bing Nathan has been a fixture in the bay area music scene for close to forty years. He's played everything from surf music to western swing on his trusty string bass. Always eager to play, he adds a lot to the CD.
Here's a capsule review by Richard Hadlock, author of Jazz Masters of the Twenties, and host of the radio show The Annals of Jazz: "Good songs sung well with pleasing accompaniment and fine harmonies-almost a forgotten art. Singers Patrice Haan and Tony Marcus (also an ace guitarist) do something unusual: they treat often neglected popular songs with respect, restraint and unerring good taste—sans ring-a-ding, scoobie doobie or premeditated histrionics. Perhaps there IS hope!"
Kevin Russell, host of Down From the Mountain on KRCB-FM, gives this radio review: "Tony Marcus and Patrice Haan have created a warm, intimate, entertaining and engaging piece of work in this new CD. Gorgeous vocals, thoughtful arrangements, and superb swinging instrumental accompaniment all blend seamlessly with the familiar and not-so-familiar jazz standards. Leftover Dreams is simply a gem!"
