Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
CD reviews: Mardin’s friends present a lovely tribute
By staff and wire reports
Saturday, June 12, 2010
‘ALL MY FRIENDS ARE HERE’
Arif Mardin, et al (NuNoise)
Arranger-pianist-producer Arif Mardin (1932-2006) worked with an array of stars in his career, and a group of them give “All My Friends Are Here” an appropriate title. This was a project he began before his death and finally was put together by his son, Joe. The title track alone would justify the title, as it features Hall & Oates, Barry and Robin Gibb, members of the Rascals and the Average White Band, Phil Collins, Lalah Hathaway, Cissy Houston and Randy Brecker. The album also has Bette Midler singing “The Greatest Ears in Town,” Chaka Khan and David Sanborn doing “So Blue,” Diane Reeves on “No One,” Carly Simon on “Calls a Soft Voice” and Norah Jones on “Longing for You,” which also has saxophonist Joe Lovano and trumpeter Jon Faddis. That lineup doesn’t even mention “Lonestar Blues” with a guitar solo by Willie Nelson. Mardin’s friends have put together a great tribute. The album is available Tuesday.
– Bob Karlovits
Featuring New Track By Bette Midler
