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Chris Humphrey: Nothing but Blue Sky
ByPerhaps the best way to describe Humphrey's vocal talent is durable. His voice is neither pretty nor unpretty. It is capable and pleasant, and can hold up under the strain of his progressive and demanding arrangements. Humphrey's reharmonization of Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now produces a perfectly listenable jazz version that gently incorporates the light reggae of the original with Humphrey's impeccable ability to transform a melody into something previously unheard.
Humphrey is also a master Monk interpreter. "Friday the 13th and "In Walked Bud are dispatched with a muscular thoughtfulness. Humphrey never stoops to blatant technique, blending perfectly his broad range with his harmonic sophistication.
Humphrey employs the hardest working drummer in jazz, Matt Wilson, who provides Humphrey with a sure time and appropriately piquant percussion, particularly on the Latin, "One Note Samba. In a market of flashy Harry Connicks, Pete Cincottis and Tony DeSares, Chris Humphrey offers a stripped down alternative that bares the bones of the songs he interprets, better allowing the listener to understand the composers' intentions.
Track Listing
I Can See Clearly Now; Friday The 13th; If I Should Lose You; Anna's Song (Safe In My Arms); Swingin' 'Til The Girls Come Home; Solitude; In Walked Bud; Lullaby For Jackson; A Love So Strong; One Note Samba; Every Time I Feel The Spirit.
Personnel
Chris Humphrey
vocalsChris Humphrey: vocals; Matt Wilson: drums; Martin Wind: bass; Mark Shilansky: piano.
Album information
Title: Nothing but Blue Sky | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Cadence Jazz Records