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Mike Tyson: Round 1: Jazz From the School of Hard Knock Outs

By Trevor MacLaren
April 1, 2003
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Mike Tyson: Round 1: Jazz From the School of Hard Knock Outs

With records from boxing champions past (Oscar De LaHoya) and present (Roy Jones Jr.), heavyweight legend Mike Tyson has finally come to release his own unique vision. Tyson gives his all on a breakout vocal performance using his unique soprano range. Featuring liner notes by Tyson and manager Don King, the musical pugilist gives perspective on why he chose such as standards "The Lady is a Tramp," "Dontcha Go 'Way Mad" and "Unforgettable." Although he has chosen a group of unknown players, their arrangements are tight and complement Tyson's style.

The Bacharach/David-penned "Walk on By" gets a luxurious treatment that will make Dionne Warwick certainly proud. Although Tyson's record is primarily a crooning swing record much in the style of Sinatra, he pulls out the stops on a fusion jam of R&B prodigy Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On". The band's arrangement has a Hancock flavor that gets down and dirty in the vein of "Chameleon." Even though the competition is strong in vocal jazz, newcomer Tyson's debut will certainly be regarded as one the year's most eclectic records. And as a result of a new partnership with an anonymous chicken magnate, this record will soon be reissued on a major label.

Track Listing

Personnel

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson - Vocals The Don King Orchestra Bob Roberts - Sax (tenor) Bill Williams - Bass Neil Neilson - Percussion John Johnson - Guitars Cam Cameron - Trumpet

Album information

Title: Round 1: Jazz From the School of Hard Knock Outs | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: King Productions

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