When two extra-talented musicians, one a vocalist, one an instrumentalist, record together, the results should be special. Consider the case of singer-songwriter Jeff Dyer and pianist Bill Brennan, both from Newfoundland, Canada.

For several years, Dyer and Brennan have explored the lyrical simplicity of voice and piano. Recently, they released After Hours, a CD of classic jazz, bossa nova and original music.

The album’s several original songs come from Dyer. One, “Iona”, describes a Newfoundland ghost town.

Haunting, timeless,
Silent, like the fog out on the sea.
Lifetimes, frozen
Pictures from a distant memory,
Fading, drifting,
Slipping off in a sepia memory.
I remember running with you through the tall, wet grass,
Out over the hills and down by Caleb’s house,
And like the wind on the water so wild and free.
From “Iona”, written by Jeff Dyer, recorded by Dyer and Bill Brennan, 2008

In “Time Is a Dragon” and “Hold On”, Dyer’s lyrics also create vivid pictures and drip with meaning.

But time is a dragon
Chasin’ and runnin’ us down,
Makin’ a mess of our plans.
It rushes by
With our broken dreams in its wake.
We watch it fly.
My, oh my, time does fly.
From “Time Is a Dragon” written by Jeff Dyer, recorded by Dyer and Bill Brennan, 2008

Dyer even adds music and sings “In Flanders Fields”, a famous poem by John McCrae about a brutal First World War battle.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours, hold it high.
Lest ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
From “In Flanders Fields”, words by John McCrae, music by Jeff Dyer, recorded by Dyer and Bill Brennan, 2008

Dyer’s voice rings strong and clear yet it’s warm with a nuanced maturity. As always, Brennan’s touch on the piano keys remains gentle, refreshing and just right.

They recorded in two sessions. At the first, friends Jim Vivian (bass), Mike Billard (drums) and Patrick Boyle (trumpet / flugelhorn) joined them on songs by famous composers: George Gershwin’s “Our Love Is Here To Stay”, Guy Wood’s “My One And Only Love” and Dori Caymi’s bossa nova “O Cantador”. The next time, Dyer and Brennan worked alone on Jerome Kern’s “All The Things You Are”, Alan Lerner’s “On the Street Where You Live” and Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”.

By teaming up, Dyer and Brennan have created an album that deserves special attention, even on the busy Atlantic Canadian music scene. Listeners will hope to hear more from this duo.

For more information: www.myspace.com/jeffdyerbillbrennanduo

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