Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s musical collaboration from the 1950s till the 1980s had a strong influence on popular music, especially as voiced by notable interpreters of their work, including Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield and Carpenters. Bassist, composer and arranger Iris Ornig was especially influenced by Bacharach’s music. His pop stylings and her modern jazz compositions share many of the same cha
racteristics – unexpected harmonic structures, syncopated rhythmic patterns, unusual phrasing, and odd, changing meters. Ornig will pay tribute to the Bacharach sound on January 24 at 7:30 and 9:30 PM at Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem.
Ornig puts her own spin on classic Bacharach compositions, such as “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Don’t Make Me Over” and “Promises, Promises.” By putting the songs through a jazz filter, the German-born Ornig reimagines the music, while still maintaining the composer’s original intent of melody and mood. Her straight-ahead style is swinging and melodic, with sometimes playful and angular twists and improvisations. The band also includes Jeremy Powell on tenor saxophone, Dave Smith on trumpet, Billy Test on piano and Allan Mednard on drums.
Iris Ornig plays the Songbook of Burt Bacharach, January 24 at 7:30 PM & 9:00 PM. Cover is $10.
Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem, 206 West 118 Street, 212-243-2222, www.mintonsharlem.com
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