JAZZ VOCALIST DAVIS GIVES OFF PERFECT ‘VIBE’
Tony Wade - Daily Republic

There are some recordings which take time to grow on you. While maybe not so impressive on first listen, over time the melodies take hold and sear themselves into the listener’s consciousness. Then there are those like jazz vocalist Jamie Davis’s new release “Vibe Over Perfection.” When the first plucked notes from an upright bass usher in a sultry version of the old Irving Berlin classic “Blue Skies,” it’s love at first listen.

From the lead off track it only gets better. “Pennies From Heaven” is next and the effortless control of Davis’s creamy rich baritone carries its jaunty melody along nicely. Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love” with a smoky bossa nova beat is next and the real magic of Davis’ genius is clear: He comes across as believing every single word he sings. When he comes to the line, “don’t ever go” before the instrumental interlude in the middle of the tune, his voice trails off forlornly. He never comes across as over-the-top or offering phony sentimentalism. He is the real deal.

What can I say about the phenomenal musicians who play on the disc--many of whom are members of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra? These guys are the absolute cream of the crop. The rhythms are inventive, fresh, lively and in the pocket. The horns are soaring, powerful, and full of mesmerizing emotion and energy.

The album was produced by former Sly and the Family Stone drummer Greg Errico and the results are crisp and clean, but reflecting the album’s title, not over-produced to the point of slickness. Instead it percolates out of the speakers like an old vinyl record minus the annoying hisses and pops.

A truly stunning arrangement of Lionel Richie’s “Hello” is the album’s highest point. Davis caresses the lyrics and the longing in his voice is accentuated by subtle variations in his timbre and by the accompaniment whose sound on this cut can best be described as haunting hopefulness.

The only real criticism I have is on the Lou Rawls signature hit “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.” Davis is great as is the bouncy music, but the female background singers sound out-of-place. The way they deliver the line “you’re gonna miss my lovin’” sounds kind of like a 1940s’ USO review by the Andrews Sisters. That may be what they were shooting for, but it’s a little jarring when put in the context of the entire album.

“Nature Boy” closes out the disc and the orchestra pulls out all the stops. Their impeccable chops are front and center as horns, piano, bass -- all carry the swingin’ tune to a toe tappin’ climax. Davis’s smooth-as-satin vocals add the cherry on top.

“Vibe Over Perfection” is a magical, jazzy journey that lovers of great passionate music will instantly recognize as a modern classic.

1st August 2008