Mark Winkler Sings Bobby Troup
(Rhombus Records RHO 7029)
Editor
Though my generation probably only remembers Bobby Troup as the frumpy, one-dimensional Dr. Joe Early on TV's "Emergency", Troup the songwriter and musician was undoubtedly the prototypical hipster. Although himself a prolific songwriter, with over 350 tunes to his credit, Mark Winkler stumbled upon the music of Troup a couple years back, and decided to record this tribute, Sings Bobby Troup.
Winkler brings just the right hip sensibility and lyrical sensitivity to this album, whether it's the familiar "Route 66" or "Girl Talk" — two of several tunes with the Anthony Wilson trio — the swinging opening track "Hungry Man", or the brooding "Meaning of the Blues." Winkler's sly, sunny "Lemon Twist" — again with the Wilson trio — is a treat, as is the Troup/Gerry Mulligan composition "Walkin' Shoes." Winkler and pianist Jon Mayer collaborated on the album's one new song, "Two Guys From the Coast," a fitting paeon to Troup.
After listening to Sings Bobby Troup, I can't think of any jazz singer today who could have paid better tribute to Troup than Mark Winkler; he captures the right style, attitude, and mood on every tune. 
