10 OUT OF 10
E. Charnley | Derby, UK | 10/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
I recently saw a show on the UK tour, with tracks from this CD performed live, which brings a whole new dimension to the material contained within. The backing trio are tight knit and have a lot of fun making great music.
For the CD itself, from the first to last tracks - this is a joy to listen to.
As we have come to expect Mr Stigers includes a mix of modern material, standards and some self-penned material.
I always eagerly anticipate the song list for a new Stigers CD - this one does not fail. From material as diverse as John Lennon's "Jealous Guy", Annie Lennox's "Cold" through old standards such as "My Funny Valentine" and "Wee Small Hours of the Morning" to original material such as "Fever" you are led on a musical journey that encompasses every emotion known to mankind - and then some!
Could Buble do better? Check out this CD and see for yourself. I doubt it very much"
What's not to like?
B. | Kalamazoo MI | 11/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like a lot of people, I'm familiar with Curtis Stigers without having heard any of his recent works. This is new -- a singer presenting interesting material in a genuinely personal style. So much for preconceived notions. He's a master of texture, phrasing, and delivery. Like all the good ones, he sells the song. Cool sax, too.
And the musicians are cookin' jazz players. I recently read an interview with the drummer who said words to the effect that playing with Curtis Stigers isn't a "singer's gig" but that the sidemen get to PLAY. They do cook, too, with élan and hip style. Pianist Matthew Fries and drummer Keith Hall (joined by bassist Phil Palombi) perform and record with their own trio, Tri-Fi, and those recordings (on Amazon) are worth checking out, too.
Good songs, top-flight production, great playin' and singin'. What's not to like?
"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1