Lorraine Feather Language Jazzed Media (www.jazzedmedia.com)

In Language, her first release since Dooji Wooji in 2005, lyricist/vocalist Lorraine Feather paints imaginative word pictures that are rhythmically complex yet as clear as her voice. She is witty, wry and poignant, often in a single song, with incisive observations that range from the petty annoyances of daily life - the commute,lost keys and that disembodied "we appreciate your patience" telephone voice - to attitudes and relationships. She knows the world of the aspiring actress and describes it in the hectic "Waiting Tables," based on the Horn Heads' " Can't Quite Put My Finger on it." "In Flower" is a bouquet for Billy Strayhorn - "a spirit in flower, exquisite and rare, too beautiful ever to die." There's an unexpected tinge of sadness in "I Love New York at Christmas" and sheer hilarity as "Hit the Ground Runnin'" utilizes every sports cliche in the book to inspire a New Years resolution to give up ESPN. Feather's musical partners on these and other compositions include Shelly Berg, Russell Ferrante and Bill Elliot. Visiting vocalists Tierney Sutton, Cheryl Bentyne and Janis Siegel add to the pleasure.

Lorraine Feather's CDs appear less frequently than I would like as she has many irons in the fire. They are well worth the wait.

Bill Falconer

CODA 340 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER (recd 10/6!!!)

Dick Hyman & Chris Hopkins ITALICS Teddy Wilson in 4 Hands Victoria (www.victoriarecords.net)

The four hands on this superbly-recorded session belong to Dick Hyman and Chris Hopkins, whose instruments are two model D Steinways. Hyman is a master of multi-era playing (and in his college years won a dozen lessons with Teddy Wilson in a piano competition.). Hopkins, 45 years younger and based in Germany, is rooted in stride and swing. Both are particularly well-suited to interpret Wilson's music with their impeccable time, no-nonsense swing. crisp runs, and interesting harmonies. ITALICS 4 Hands, recorded during Hyman's 2006 European tour, covers Wilson's performances with Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, the Benny Goodman small groups, and later, his own orchestra.

The one-hour session includes several solo performances: Hopkins moves Rubenstein's "Melody in F" from classical to swing and caresses "These Foolish Things" while Hyman demonstrates stride and Wilson tenths on "I'll Never Be the Same" and "I'll Surrender, Dear." The duo's fingers fly on "Dizzy Spells," "Fine and Dandy" and "Runnin' Wild" and you will feel Billie Holiday's presence on "Miss Brown to You." Wilson's compositions are represented by the happy "Sunny Morning" and " You're My Favorite Memory." The pair's introspective approach to "Memory" contrasts with the rest of the program and highlights that tune's beauty.

To draw a baseball analogy, ITALICS Teddy Wilson in 4 Hands is a well-executed triple play - Wilson to Hyman to Hopkins.