Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey
Self-Released, 2026
9/10
Listen to Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey
A highly creative take on Stephen Sondheim’s work, the Big Band and vocal storytelling here sees Laurent Ziliani welcoming an all star cast.
The cozy mood of “Wait” opens with Peter Erskine’s colorful drumming adding much to rich saxophone from Zac Zinger and Ziliani’s smooth voice, and “Isn’t He Something!” follows with a playful spirit, as Michael Valerio’s strategic bass suits Alex Terrier’s alto sax and the expressive vocals.
“Not A Day Goes By” arrives in the middle and welcomes Nick Mancini’s well timed vibraphone to the textured mood, while the title track moves with a dreaminess that enlists Cédric Hanriot’s elegant keys via the sublime intimacy.
Arriving late, “The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened” is an uplifting and charming moment that benefits from the layered beauty and Ziliani’s soaring pipes, and “Loving You” exits with a romantic spirit thanks to the heartfelt singing and stirring instrumentation.
An effort with a theatric presence, Ziliani and the band surround themes of love, contradiction, humor and emotional uncertainty for this very sophisticated version of Big Band and vocal jazz.
Travels well with: Paul McCandless Quintet- Live At Kimball’s East; Aristo Sham- Timeline