In Real Life
American Modern, 2022
8/10
It’s been a busy year for Robert Paterson, who released 2 albums that are very different in nature. While he offered us string quartets on the aptly titled String Quartets 1-3, In Real Life instead explores online dating with much comedy in a very theatrical setting, and takes help from lyrics and libretto by David Cote and conducting from Steven Osgood.
“A Regular Woman” opens the listen with Marnie Breckenridge’s soaring soprano guiding the firm keys and intricate strings, and “Late Bloomer” follows with fluid winds and pretty piano complementing Breckenridge’s gorgeous singing.
Jorell Williams steps in on vocals by track 6, where the rockin’ mood of “Ain’t No Frog” allows his baritone to shine playfully, while “Die With Me” is a more lush, even dreamy delivery of vivid storytelling and uplifting song craft.
“Extraordinary” exits the listen, and it’s a duet with both Breckenridge and Williams, as the conversational interplay between the pair is as unpredictable as the music, and weaves in and out of tense, tuneful and twinkling moments.
A very interesting idea, the songs here portray five women and five men filling out their dating-site profiles, sets it to music, and essentially illuminates all the humor, romance and forthrightness that comes with searching for a mate in a charming, operatic demeanor.
Travels well with: Robert Paterson/The Indianapolis Quartet- String Quartets 1-3; Tom Nazziola- Distant Places