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Jeff Baker: Monologue
ByA good deal of the credit for the step up into the upper class of male vocalists lies with pianist Bill Anschell, Nnenna Freelon's former musical director. His arrangements here, as well as his playing, just glow, with a light touch at times and a hard-driving forward momentum at others, a sound crafted to perfectly suit Baker's silky deliverya vocal cross between Nat King Cole and Chet Baker, with his own personal, confident panache.
The standard "A Nightingale Sang in Berkely Square" here may be the loveliest rendition of the song on record, Anschell and band involved with the vocalist in a lilting dance before Brent Jensen's sweet-toned alto croons into a solo. Another time-tested standard, "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," picks up the pace; Anschell's fingertip dance down the keyboard at the end of the smooth flow of Baker's phrase .."and then I met you" is just sublime, as are a hundred other moments.
Two tunes here, "Answer Me" and Tracy Chapman's "The Promise," feature David Sabee on cello, with Anschell's arrangement a less jazzy but beautifully-crafted chamber mood, suffused with reverence, like something that could be played in church, in the muted light of soft colors beaming in through windows of stained glass.
Baker's vocal style throughout has a straighforward self-assurance and a smooth flow, in contrast to a hint of the tentative on his debut disc. He goes after some familiar standards and some of the rarer ones without pretense or affectation, and he does it beautifully, in the embrace of a marvelous band.
Visit Jeff Baker on the web at www.jeffbakerjazz.com .
Track Listing
That Old Feeling, Answer Me, You Don't Know What Love Is, A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, I Didn't Know What Time It Was, You Are Too Beautiful, the More I See You, Come Ready, It's Always You, Midnight Blue, The Promise, Beautiful Friendship
Personnel
Jeff Baker
vocalsJeff Baker--vocals; Bill Anschell--piano; John Bishop--drums; Brent Jensen--alto and soprano saxophones; David Sabee--cello
Album information
Title: Monologue | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: OA2 Records
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