Jamie Davis - It's A Good Thing Review by Trent Gardner of HipSolve Media

With the opening downbeat of this album, (a twist on Steve Wonder's classic "Isn't She Lovely") I might as well have been standing on a high speed rail waiting to be hit by a European bullet train. Fortunately for me, I was indeed struck full force by a very dangerous swing machine, the likes I haven't heard since Patrick Williams Sinatraland, (a Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, nominated for a 1998 Grammy award).

Make no mistake; Jamie Davis is the real deal. Thoughout this effort there is one thread of consistency; Cook, cook, cook, but with Jamie's own unique recipe of honesty and unbridled vocal power. As proof of his band's prowess, the album was actually recorded "live in the studio" with the full big band and vocals, making the capture of these stunning sonic qualities and musical executions even more remarkable.

Jamie Davis not only brings a silky smooth vocal delivery but savvy business skills to boot, assembling a "who's who" of first call talent for his orchestra. With a clear baritone voice that is big enough to dominate any mix, "the voice" (as I prefer to call him) makes it abundantly clear that this is no sterile recording of L.A. session mercenaries. Listeners are treated to emotionally stirring performances by the veteran "Basie Band" rhythm section and a list of world class horn players too lengthy to mention here. "It's a good thing" simply never lets up, while making its countless demonstrations of difficult musical objectives seem effortless.

"It's A Good Thing" is a multi genre tour de force, not just a repeat of idioms to which we are all accustomed. It definitely put a smile on the face of this cynical old producer. More importantly, there is enough soul being projected from these finely recorded tracks to give 3 or 4 more bands plenty of inspiration. The brass and reeds not only articulate passages perfectly, but their intonation is impeccable under the direction of jazz great, Shelly Berg.

Track to track, the ante just keeps getting raised, making an effective song by song analysis nearly impossible. I was simply too busy catching my breath from the wild ride. At every level, from the arrangements to production value," It's A Good Thing" is a "must have" disc for not only jazz lovers, but any one who demands excellence in their music collection. Look for this one to get noticed, as well it should be.

For the jazz category, this is my album pick of the year. 5/5

- Trent Gardner
HipSolve Media