Mr. Right

Lyrics: Alan Lerner, Music: Kurt Weill
Piano: Richard Whiteman

When I first read the lyrics to this song it was, as the character singing it proclaims, "love at first sight." Originally from the Kurt Weill/Alan Lerner broadway musical, Lovelife, "Mr. Right" swept me away with its jazzy-cabaret feel and hilarious lyrics. "Mr. Right" is my favourite song to perform live and I'm excited that I was able to capture the character during my recording session.

Pettin' in the Park

Lyrics: Al Dubin, Music: Harry Warren
Piano: Richard Whiteman

I was intrigued by the subtle naughtiness of this Harry Warren/Al Dubin number from the 1933 film Golddiggers 1933. The song had not been recorded since the 1930s in spite of its fresh lyrics. I suggested to Tim Minthorn that the song had potential to be a sexy little tune and it was thanks to Tim's and Richard Whiteman's arrangement that my rendition of "Pettin' in the Park" became just that.

Now at Last

Lyrics/Music: Dick Haymes
Piano: Richard Whiteman

I once had the privilege of watching Feist perform this song up tempo thereby tapping into its underlying softshoe beat. It wasn't until some months later, in the throws of a messy breakup, that I was struck by the poignancy of Blossom Dearie's interpretation of the Dick Haymes song. This song put words and music to my time of introspection.

Take my Hand for A while

Music/Lyrics: Buffy Sainte-Marie
Piano: Richard Whiteman

I fell in love with this song one afternoon, shortly after someone informed me he had fallen out of love with me. Buffy Saint-Marie's words and music expressed every thought and feeling that was running through my heart and mind.

Girls of Summer

Music/Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Piano: Timothy Minthorn

I made the mistake of becoming a "girl of summer" one year while studying in the United States. Sondheim's song had previously been introduced to me by Shannon Butcher, however, my experiences of that particular summer brought new meaning to these lyrics. I understood the hardened stance of the character singing the song, yet also the temptation "a touch of the moon" can bring on those hot summer nights.