"Both Sides" by Marc Jordan Chosen by IMC's Don Breithaupt

For decades, Marc Jordan has focused his recorded output on his own songs — understandable, given his mad writing skills and prominent collaborators (Jay Graydon, Richard Page et al) — but, at producer Lou Pomanti’s urging, he finally relented this year and released a full album that’s all about Marc Jordan the singer.

The repertoire runs the gamut from standards by Hoagy Carmichael and Michel Legrand (“The Nearness of You,” “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?”) to rock-era fare by The Rolling Stones and Lou Reed (“Wild Horses,” “Walk On The Wild Side”). The jewel in the crown is probably Marc’s reading of the de facto title song, his countrywoman Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” but the singing and lush orchestral arrangements are breathtaking throughout. Pomanti’s reharmonization of “Walk On The Wild Side” deserves some kind of separate award!

This is an essential album for those who think they know all they need to know about Jordan. Guests include Randy Brecker and Wendy Lands.

Enjoy.

Don Breithaupt
IMC Correspondent
Los Angeles CA USA