Renowned U.K. composer and lyricist Leslie Bricusse passed away in 2021 at age 90 but his legacy lives on with today’s music fans thanks in part to the 2023 album release of You And I: The Words And Music Of Leslie Bricusse, featuring Los Angeles based vocalist Dianne Fraser. Younger music fans will discover Leslie Bricusse is a legend best known for writing Broadway song classics such as “Who Can I Turn To?” and “What Kind Of Fool Am I?”, both co-written by Anthony Newley.

For You And I, Dianne has chosen ten somewhat lesser known Bricusse classics, although there is a version here of one of his best known originals, “Feeling Good” from the 1965 Broadway production of The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, the now classic Broadway score co-written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

A number of songs in You And I are chosen from the movie soundtracks for the films that Bricusse scored, including Doctor Dolittle (1967), Victor/Victoria (1982), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Two for the Road (1967) and of course the Broadway classic Stop the World – I Want to Get Off from 1961. Dianne cites the movie and the accompanying soundtrack of the 1969 movie Goodbye, Mr. Chips as the inspiration for You And I.

For the recording of You And I, Dianne teamed with some fine backing musicians including Todd Schroeder (piano), Adam Cohen (bass) as well as her sister Denise Fraser (drums). With Dianne beautifully performing all the lead vocals, the album was tastefully arranged and produced by Todd Schroeder. Liner notes by the artist sheds light on the influence Leslie Bricusse has had on her musical background.

Leslie Bricusse is best known for his partnerships with music giants like Henry Mancini, John Barry and of course Anthony Newley, while his unforgettable songs have also been covered by pop and jazz legends including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Steve Winwood. Spinning You And I: The Words And Music Of Leslie Bricusse, it certainly sounds like Dianne Fraser deserves to be in such celebrated company.

Although the music and lyrics of Leslie Bricusse were a mainstay of the 1960s Broadway soundtrack scene, the fact is the influence he has on musicians worldwide over the years literally transcends genre categorization. Covered by pop, jazz, Broadway, cabaret and even rock musicians for 60+ years, these songs remain the calling card of his enduring influence.

Featuring 10 songs and clocking in at 33 minutes, You And I: The Words And Music Of Leslie Bricusse may be Dianne Fraser’s debut solo album, yet there are plenty of stylish and elegant performances here to merit further investigation by music fans.