June 4, 2002

Last July when I reviewed Darius de Haas' cabaret show I ended by stating, "the CD will be terrific--watch for it." Like all critics, I love it when I'm right, but who knew just how right I'd be? Not even I could have predicted what a sensational recording de Haas would make of some of the most probing, melodic, intelligent and heart-wrenching songs ever written by one of the musical geniuses of the 20th century--Billy Strayhorn. Suffice it to say it's a match made in CD heaven and day dream--Variations on Strayhorn is a modern masterpiece.

A revelation of arrangements, orchestrations and vocal prowess, day dream audaciously covers the wide range of Strayhorn's expansive catalogue and de Haas seems to know he's the right singer for the right moment in this ground-breaking look at so much under-appreciated music. His voice is like liquid gold, transforming itself from big-band swing to blues to gospel within a heartbeat while his interpretations perfectly catch Strayhorn's intensely personal and supremely complex lyrics with startling ease. Listen to the elegance of the lyric in "Pretty Girl," the unexpected guitar accompaniment in "Something to Live For," or the intoxicating medley of "Passion Flower" combined with "A Flower is a Lovesome Thing" and you'll be hooked.

Producer Tommy Krasker has lavished expert musicians and engineers on day dream to give de Haas a finished product that is exquisite in every detail. If ever the Grammy Awards should take notice of an independent label's efforts, it's clearly something of this caliber and quality.

If you're interested in jazz, the American songbook or just an incredible male vocalist, don't overlook Darius de Haas' day dream--Variations on Strayhorn.