GILLIAN MARGOT AND GEOFFREY KEEZER

MarKeez Records

Gillian Margot, vocals; Geoffrey Keezer, piano.

It is pure pleasure to listen to Geoffrey Keezer play the piano.  He is a brilliant soloist and a sensitive accompanist.  Paired with the sincere and masterful vocalist, Gillian Margot, they make an outstanding duo. Performing duo is a very challenging artform.  There’s nowhere to hide. There’s no instrumentation other than Margot’s voice and Keezer’s piano magic.  You have to be very strong in your musical commitment to pull it off.  No worries!  These two are both up for the challenge.

Beginning with the beautiful ballad that features awesome lyrics, “Blame It on My Youth,” Gillian sells the song.  She is pitch perfect and emotionally invested.  Geoffrey Keezer is an amazing accompanist and richly creative, providing all the instrumentality needed to both solo and support on the 88-keys.

They swing “Thou Swell” where Gillian shows off her scat skills. Keezer walks his left hand like a real double bass player is on the scene. They offer their masterful interpretations of the Great American Songbook, while also adding a few modern tunes to their repertoire like, “Here Comes the Flood” by Peter Gabriel and “Eternal Child” composed by Chick Corea.  “Eternal Child” allows Margot to become a vocal human horn, singing wordlessly across the Keezer piano arrangement.  At one point, during their unique presentation, they trade fours.  Gillian Margot is a vocalist who can sing in many styles, embracing many genres with ease.

I enjoyed their take on the famous Billy Strayhorn composition, “Lush Life.”  I was also thrilled to hear her interpretation of “A Timeless Place (The Peacocks).”  This is a challenging song written by great vocalist Norma Winstone and dynamic composer, Jimmy Rowles.  Gillian and Geoffrey do a magnificent job of interpreting this lovely song.

This is an album plush with spontaneity, while always honoring the composer’s song melodies. The duo presentation is wonderful, with each artist interjecting their own creativity and style in a cozy, harmonious way.  There is a comfort level they radiate and share with us, like the warm, welcoming smile of a close friend.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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