MARIE MǾRCK

MY ONE AND ONLY LOVE

Zach’s Music

Marie Mǿrck, vocals; Magnus Hjorth, piano; Snorre Kirk, drums; Lasse Mǿrck, double bass.

Danish jazz vocalist, Marie Mǿrck, brings us an album of positivity with lyrics that uplift and familiar old standards that pleasure the spirit.  She opens with “Look for the Silver Lining” propelled by a very cool drum beat that pushes the arrangement forward in a contemporary way. Mǿrck opens with the verse that we rarely hear and that’s refreshing.

She asks, in her cute vocal way, “Are You Having Any Fun” with her pianist, Magnus Hjorth clearly having a bluesy ball on this tune by Sammy Fain and Jack Yellen, soloing happily.  Coming up in the jazz community, many vocalists were challenged to sing “Like Someone in Love” (a Van Heusen and Burk standard) as a right of passage.  Marie Mǿrck puts her own spin on this old favorite and adds a confident scat improvisation to the mix.

Mǿrck has a captivating voice, with her honest tone and presentation, like an old friend sharing secrets with the listener.  When she sings “Young at Heart,” with all the clarity and calm of an old soul, I am convinced.  She uses no twirls or fancy ‘runs’ to sell the songs.  She just sings, in a clear, concise way with much emotion and sincerity.  For me, Marie Mǿrck is throw back the 1950 and 1960 jazz vocals of folks like Doris Day and Eydie Gormé.  You clearly hear that historic sound on tunes like “I’m in the Mood for Love.”  I wish she had thrown in ‘Moody’s Mood for Love’ for good measure.  That would have elevated this arrangement.

Her arrangement of the title tune is quite beautiful, featuring Hjorth’s piano playing. He adds a very classical allegro-sounding accompaniment beneath this beautiful melody.  I found the arrangement stunning.

This is a lovely album that introduced me to Marie Mǿrck.  She lifted my spirits with her song selections, her pitch perfect vocals, and positive outlook.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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