Description

CD 1  |  I‘ve Never Been in Love Before  (2001, In-kind gift donation by Arbors Records)

Description:   “Maurice is a new voice in jazz. In I’ve Never Been In Love Before, he takes you on a journey through the peaks and valleys of a love affair. On this particular trip, Maurice is joined by two combinations, both comprised of the most exciting and accomplished musicians that any singer could be fortunate enough to have on his team. Such gifted accompanists as Frank Owens, Bob Cranshaw, Joe Wilder, Frank Wess, Joe Shepley, and Sherrie Maricle know exactly how to inspire, cajole and guide Maurice through the ups and downs of love – the experiences that all of us have and will go through in life.”  —  Will Friedwald (author of Jazz Singing, and Sinatra! The Song Is You)

Selections:

• Taking a Chance on Love
• Exactly Like You
• This Heart of Mine
• Sweet Lorraine
• My Romance
• But Beautiful
• Imagination
• It Had to Be You
• Body and Soul
• You’ve Changed
• How Insensitive
• A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes, Never Never Land

CD 2  |   To Nat “King” Cole With Love   (2006, In-kind gift donation by Arbors Records)

Description:   Maurice is world-renowned as a dancer, actor, director, and choreographer but this recording exposes his dimension as a singer who is comfortable in the tradition of jazz instrumentalists, heartfelt and casual, with an inimitable sound. He treats the lyrics with affectionate reverence because he knows what Ted Koehler or Ira Gershwin meant, and his gently conversational phrasing brings new life to the music we know well. He is not just a splendid actor who also sings; he is a dancer and choreographer who intuitively knows the right tempo and most importantly makes every nuance of the lyric count.

Selections:

• Unforgettable
• It’s Only A Paper Moon
• The Very Thought of You
• Walkin’ My Baby Back Home
• Smile
• Little Girl, When I Fall In Love
• Get Your Kicks on Route 66, Nevertheless (I’m In Love with You)
• Almost Like Being In Love, I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face
• This Can’t Be Love
• Love Is Here to Stay
• Dream
• L-O-V-E