Nancy Ann Lee - Jazz & Blues Reporter

On this new electrifying session, male vocalist Jamie Davis is backed by a stellar 17-piece jazz orchestra (comprising The Count Basie Band members) conducted by Shelly Berg.

The nine-tune jazz-pop set opens with a pulsing take on Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies,” and includes gems such as “Pennies From Heaven,” “’Round Midnight,” the Lionel Ritchie song, “Hello,” and more. Davis sings a lush rendition of the tune Rawls made popular, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” and a swinging remake of “Nature Boy,” both featuring spectacular instrumental solos and section work. Davis sang with the Basie Band from 2000-2003 and shows his versatility as he delivers swingers, ballads and blues with equal self-possession. His baritone voice is reminiscent of Joe Williams and he demonstrates the swinging sensibility of Lou Rawls as he delivers the nine standards arranged by Bob Ojeda, Tom Hart, Dave Hanson and Aaron Lington.

I missed hearing Davis’ 2002 debut CD on Unity, It’s All About Love, but when I reviewed his June 2006 Unity disc, It’s A Good Thing, I wrote that he “weaves magic with his rich, deep tonalities, vitality and pristine articulation.” He continues to dazzle the listener with this CD. Singing in the style of Big Band era crooners, he remains true to the melodies and lyrics with these excellent musicians.

September 2008