David Tughan: Builders Brew

Cool and swinging, David Tughan sings the songs that we've come to know and hold dear. Builders Brew is his second album. Born and raised in Ireland, he performs throughout the United Kingdom, where audiences can soak up the tradition that he carries with him. With Frank Sinatra's phrasing and a delivery all his own, Tughan reaches out to a broad audience.

Surrounded by an organ/guitar trio that's augmented with tenor sax, the vocalist sails smoothly through each brief arrangement. He prefers to stick mainly with the melody of each tune. On "Love Me Tender," his presentation serves as an accurate representation of Elvis. On "'Round Midnight," he croons with a forlorn attitude that reflects the lyrics' passion. On the closing "Ay Fond Kiss," he wades delicately through a pop song arrangement of Robert Burns' poem with emotions at ease. "Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week" should reflect genuine feelings, but Tughan and the band prefer instead to swing this one with a jumpin' jive and cool tidings.

The singer's tone wears thin on occasion, and saxophonist Steve Kaldestad amplifies that quality with a diluted presence of his own. Nevertheless, Tughan has figured out how to entertain with reflections of popular singers from our past.