Review from Jazz Scene of Oregon

Vibe Over Perfection, Jamie Davis, vocals
Bay area vocalist Jamie Davis makes the most of the seemingly rare opportunity for a singer to record with a big band. Davis has a compelling vocal presence, which touches on the likes of Lou Rawls and maybe a smidge of Arthur Prysock. The band, fronted by trumpeter Scotty Barnhart, has a definite Basie sound. And it all unfolds vigorously with Davis' lively delivery on such standards as 'Blue Skies,' 'Pennies From Heaven' and 'Round Midnight.' A tune new to me, 'If You Want Me To Stay,' reminds a bit of the energy of 'Smack Dab In The Middle,' and, I must say, Jimmy Witherspoon would have nodded approval on Davis' 'I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town.' Even Lionel Richi's pop opus, 'Hello,' is wrapped in a spicy, swinging arrangement. New to these ears was the swinging, 'You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,' and the set ends with a refreshing, more quick-paced than usual, 'Nature Boy'. Jamie Davis was fortunate enough to gather some super players in his corner, a testament to his talent.

August 2008