A brief look at the background of singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers offers a fair explanation for his broad and resilient jazz pedigree. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, he studied clarinet first and then drums, playing in ... more »a succession of rock bands in high school. This experience allowed him to stay open for diverse sources of material and develop his own writing. Discovered and signed in 1991, Stigers mixed originals, standards, and covers by such contemporary writers as Elvis Costello in his repertoire. Secret Heart continues with the same confident mix of material that he's explored over the past decade. Songs by Randy Newman, Ron Sexsmith, and Steve Earle intermingle agreeably with numbers by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, and Henry Mancini. In addition, his own writing is solidly represented with the bluesy sashay of "How Could a Man Take Such a Fall" and the laid-back shuffle of "Swingin' Down at 10th & Main." --David Greenberger« less
A brief look at the background of singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers offers a fair explanation for his broad and resilient jazz pedigree. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, he studied clarinet first and then drums, playing in a succession of rock bands in high school. This experience allowed him to stay open for diverse sources of material and develop his own writing. Discovered and signed in 1991, Stigers mixed originals, standards, and covers by such contemporary writers as Elvis Costello in his repertoire. Secret Heart continues with the same confident mix of material that he's explored over the past decade. Songs by Randy Newman, Ron Sexsmith, and Steve Earle intermingle agreeably with numbers by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, and Henry Mancini. In addition, his own writing is solidly represented with the bluesy sashay of "How Could a Man Take Such a Fall" and the laid-back shuffle of "Swingin' Down at 10th & Main." --David Greenberger
"I Have been a Curtis Stigers fan from the very beginning and my first reaction when I
heard Secret Heart was yes he's done it again. This is another fine album from a man
that refuses to compromise on the quality of his music. As well as some great standards and songs from more contemporary songwriters,
Curtis demonstrates his own talent for songwriting with Swingin' Down At 10th &
Main and also with How Could A Man Take Such A Fall which was co-written by Larry
Goldings. This is a Jazz orientated album and I think this style
allows Curtis to really show what he is capable of as a musician so if you like his
previous albums then you will like this. Above all I felt this album had a real feel good quality about it which is helped by
Stigers relaxed and easy manner which comes across in the music and is also a pleasure
to watch if you ever get the chance to see him perform live. So in conclusion this album is a must for all Stigers fans and indeed anyone who
appreciates good quality music."
Excellent!
E. Charnley | Derby, UK | 04/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own every cd Curtis Stigers has made since his runaway success in the early 1990's.For anyone who only knows the early pop-based Stigers this cd
will be a revelation, and I look forward to its UK release in the next few weeks.Although it took a while for me to adapt to the jazzier material that Curtis has released in latter years, I know an artist has to follow his heart and make music "they enjoy" for the passion and commitment to shine through -
and on this latest offering, that passion shines through like a bright star.Curtis has such a wonderful voice that I just drift away on a cloud during the more mellow tracks.I'd never listened to much jazz before buying CS cds - so I am thankful that such a talented musician/singer/songwriter has been instrumental in bringing me to a format I never really appreciated before."
AMAZING...
JoAnne | Cape Cod, MA | 11/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Curtis continues to amaze me with his vocal and song writing talent. I have been a Curtis fan from the beginning (10 years now?!) and he has now opened a whole new world to me with his transition to jazz. Even met him and talked with him in Boston at Sculler's. He is genuinely a nice man, very patient and kind with all of us crazy fans..."
A Must See Performance
joe | New York City, New York United States | 01/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw Curtis Stigers sing live at the Oak Room in the Algonquin Hotel in New York City and I was blown away! I have become an over night fan of his music and urge everyone to go see him in New York City. He plays many of the songs from his latest CD with a few fun surprises. He will be there from mid January to early February."
Very Nice!!
David A. Preiser | Tacoma, WA United States | 05/11/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mr. Stigers Is Back With Another Jazz Cd, Thank Goodness!! I Enjoyed This Cd Almost As Much As "Baby Plays Around"! It Was Nice To Hear Him Sing "Down With Love" After Years Of Enjoying Barbra Streisand's Version. "Sweet Kentucky Ham" Is Wonderful!! Can't Wait For The Next One!! He Is One Heck Of A Jazz Singer!!"