Steve Tyrell’s 10th album, “It’s Magic, The Songs of Sammy Cahn,” debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Jazz charts (behind Michael Buble’s “To Be Loved”), and Tyrell was ready to party in his hometown.
Johnny Carrabba opened up his elegant and inviting Memorial-area home for his cousin’s CD release party.
Tyrell, a Houston native, comes home often to see his family, including his sister, fashion blogger Roz Pactor. He played with local R & B bands in the ’60s, then grew into a hit-making writer and producer working with the likes of B.J. Thomas, Elvis Presley, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. When his update of “The Way You Look Tonight” was featured in the film “Father of the Bride,” it launched his second career as a crooner of standards.
This album is special to his heart because of the music of legendary Sammy Cahn, Tyrell said. “He put the words into all the hip guys’ mouths,” he said referring to singers like Frank Sinatra, Mario Lanza and Vic Damone. The album includes hits like “Come Fly With Me,” “I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry,” “Call Me Irresponsible” and “It’s Magic.”
“Johnny was the singer in the family,” Tyrell said before crooning to the crowd. “Then one day he discovered meatballs.”
“There’s no money in singing,” quipped the restaurant tycoon.
Tyrell treated guests to a few songs, accompanied by Houston jazz great Joe Sample. Deborah Duncanjoined Tyrell at the mic for a fun finale.
His Houston friends and family were there to party with him, including Tony Mandola, Janet Gurwitch, Dave Ward, Ginger and Jack Blanton, Mary Jo Ligori, RoseAnn Bankston, Frankie Pizzatola, Ellie Francisco andChip and Sherry Gift.
http://blog.chron.com/societydiaries/2013/06/for-steve-tyrell-this-ones-magic/#13268101=1