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JD Walter: What the World Needs Now
ByFrom the very first trackStevie Wonder's "Golden Lady"it is evident that Walter's vocal prowess is a force to be reckoned with. He dashes along in full flight and then effortlessly shifts into intricate scatting. Throughout the number, he is ably supported by the versatile pianist Jean-Michel Pilc. Burt Bacharach/Hal David's title track conveys a deep sense of longing and optimism. The rendition pays homage to the original while infusing it with a contemporary jazz sensibility.
Walter's original compositions sprinkled throughout the album provide moments of introspection and self-discovery. "Dressed In A Song" stands out as a heartfelt ballad revealing vulnerability and depth. Tracks such as the Lennon/McCartney pop classic "And I Love Her" showcase Walter's ability to reinterpret familiar tunes with fresh arrangements. Here, the interaction between Walter's voice and guitarist Gilad Hekselman provides an interesting dynamic by adding layers of depth to the song's melody.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein standard "It Never Entered My Mind" provides Walter the opportunity to take the listener on a sonic journey that blends his unique vocal talents with an imaginative arrangement filled with Pilc's lush piano interjections. Throughout this release, JD Walter invites us to immerse ourselves in a world where timeless melodies meet contemporary expression, thereby creating a recital that is both musically rich and emotionally resonant.
Track Listing
Golden Lady; I Was Telling Her About You; What the World Needs Now; Dressed In A Song; Beautiful Moons Ago; Tell Her I Said Hello; And I Love Her; Keisha’s Coy; It Never Entered My Mind; Now It’s Time To Go.
Personnel
JD Walter
vocalsJean-Michel Pilc
pianoSteve Varner
bassGregory Hutchinson
drumsDave Liebman
saxophoneTaylor Eigsti
pianoJames Genus
bassMarko Marchinko
drumsSteve Rudolph
pianoJim Ridl
pianoOrrin Evans
pianoObed Calvaire
drumsJohn Swana
electronicsTony Marino
bassGilad Hekselman
guitarAri Hoenig
drumsAlbum information
Title: What the World Needs Now | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Arkadia Records
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