We have finally arrived at the penultimate moment – the last single before the release of the highly-anticipated full-length album from the dynamic flute duo Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara. We’ve been treated to a dazzling collection of covers from these talented flutists starting in November 2021, all in preparation for the release of By Request this June. As the name suggests, all of the songs featured on this upcoming album have been requested by friends and fans of the duos. This final single release is especially sentimental as it was requested by Steve’s wife – Boz Scaggs’ Look What You’ve Done To Me was their wedding dance 39 years ago this year.
Many have referred to Look What You’ve Done To Me as a timeless track, but in its original iteration, the strong ’80s synths certainly tie it to the decade in which it premiered. In the Markoff & Lazzara version, we strip away much of the era-centric production and focus on the purity of the arrangement – and this is much to the benefit of the track. The soft and smooth nature of the original remains, but as we’ve seen many times before, the flutes create emotional, ethereal tones that just simply cannot come from any other combination of instruments. It’s a nod to the arrangement skills of the duo, demonstrating yet again a true understanding of the strengths of their instrument and how to most effectively use them to their advantage in nearly any genre.
Performance-wise, this is simply quintessential Markoff & Lazzara. There is nuance in the melody, there are perfectly blended harmonies, and there is the ever-present rich and rhythmic beauty from the tones of Allison Brewster Franzetti. Perhaps the most notable moment is the crescendo that occurs between 4:00 and the end of the track, taking us from simple, understated lows to an all-time high in intensity at the final chorus nearly effortlessly. It is another affirmation that these two create music that is simply delightful and endlessly enjoyable to listen to, time and again.
This rendition of Look What You’ve Done To Me captures the essence of the original while still maintaining room for their own artistry – a sentiment that seems as though it could stand as the tagline for this upcoming album. But now there’s nothing left to do but wait, and reflect on the incredible singles that have brought us to this moment. If the work Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara have done on the tracks leading up to this full-length release is any indicator, By Request should truly be a remarkable work of art. Mark your calendars now for the release date of June 21st – a beautiful and exciting way to kick off the summer season.
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BELOW: Listen to Look What You’ve Done To Me and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support Steve Markoff & Patricia Lazzara by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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