Patricia Lazzara started off with Steve Markoff in a much different place than where they are today. It’s safe to say that neither musician saw them, five plus years later, promoting their third instrumental release together when Markoff contacted Lazzara over five years ago looking for flute lessons. Something creative sparked between them and they soon realized the possibilities of marrying Markoff’s alto flute with Lazzara’s concert counterpart.
Their choice of alto and concert flutes allows them maximum flexibility, particularly the former. Markoff has gained considerable praise for his energetic flute playing but make no mistake, Lazzara’s concert flute addresses itself to the performance with considerable brio. “Look What You’ve Done to Me” is far from a perfunctory performance. It’s obvious that they have immense respect for the Boz Scaggs original, but they’ve likewise managed to shape the song to reflect their own identity.
They tighten the focus on layering three distinct melodic threads or else placing them in dialogue with one another. Markoff and Lazzara, thanks to their style and instruments, have distinct voices, but they share enough common ground that it encourages a seamlessness in the performance’s sound. Bringing Franzetti’s piano into the mix is the track’s crowning touch. She takes the lead bringing the song in and provides melodic underpinning throughout, but she has several standout moments during the performance.
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It has an introspective sound. The original, in contrast, qualifies as archetypal pop of its era, though certainly distinguished by Boz Scaggs’ vocal. Scaggs’ reputation as one of the best pop singers from his generation is under-reported because fashions changed, in part, and he never maintained a constant commercial presence. It is clear, however, that Markoff and Lazzara did not forget, particularly the former. His wife chose it as their wedding song 39 years ago in 1983 and Markoff dedicates the performance to her.
As I said, it is a family affair. Like any good family, though, they evidence obvious concern for their guess. “Look What You’ve Done to Me” clocks in at a little over five and a half minutes long but never plays like an extended track. Each of the musicians remain focused on the song’s melody throughout and the light touch of their playing aids creating a soothing atmosphere for listeners to sink into.
The recent singles released in anticipation of Lazzara and Markoff’s third collection positions it as a more than worthy follow-up to their sophomore effort Romances in Blue. Some may grouse a little under their breath that they don’t really seek to challenge listeners but seem content to produce inoffensive, lightweight material. It isn’t the case. Listen deeper and the ambition powering this release becomes clear. They aren’t trying to remake the world, they aren’t musical visionaries, but their talents extend far past being mere entertainers.
“Look What You’ve Done to Me” is a fond reminder of what Markoff undoubtedly rates as his best decision, but it’s likewise a testament to the ongoing transformative power music possesses. Patricia Lazzara, Allison Brewster Franzetti, and Steve Markoff’s cover of Boz Scaggs’ original is an elastic work of musical art that hits the mark in more than a single form.
Chadwick Easton