Joe Coughlin: Dedicated To You

Joe Coughlin has been on the Canadian jazz scene since the late 1970s, when he began his performing and recording career in Toronto. . In 1995, he relocated to Vancouver BC where he continues to record and perform. Over the course of his career he has garnered many accolades and on two occasions was given the National Jazz Award Jazz Vocalist of the Year.

This session in many way brings Coughlin full circle as he is reunited with pianist Bernie Senensky and drummer Terry Clarke both of whom appeared on his very first recording over forty years ago. Also on the session are internationally recognized bassist Neil Swainson and tenor saxophonist Ryan Oliver. Coughlin knows where his sweet spot is, thriving in the company of those songs from the American Standards Songbook all under the rubric of the album entitled Dedicated To You.

Coughlin did well to choose the four stellar musicians accompanying him on this album, since what might have been a pedestrian outing of songs associated with Frank Sinatra and Johnny Hartman turned into a delightful session filled with vibrant rhythmic support. The opening track, "When Your Lover Has Gone," is emblematic of this cohesion as Coughlin swings through the lyrics with Senensky's piano providing the underpinning in bracing style. Billy Strayhorn's lovely "Lush Life" is brought to life by Coughlin's sympathetic interpretation enhanced by a terrific solo from Oliver.

In the liner notes, Coughlin reveals that Johnny Hartman was an early influence. Thus it is not surprising that he covers a number of Hartman's signature songs including "They Say It's Wonderful," "Kiss & Run," "Autumn Serenade," "My One And Only Love" and the title track. While Coughlin's vocal skills are no match for Hartman's honeyed baritone, he nevertheless treats each number with respect. The charts were also constructed to take advantage of Senensky's effervescent piano and when called on, Oliver's rich tenor saxophone. All in all, Coughlin explores the material with an easy going grace.