Philip Chaffin Warm Spring Night Genres:Country, Jazz, Pop Tenor Philip Chaffin's Warm Spring Night is a rich and romantic follow-up to his Where Do I Go from You?, which was the inaugural release for the label he co-owns with producer Tommy Krasker, PS Classics. While that solo ... more »debut was big-band-themed, Warm Spring Night is more eclectic, collecting a number of less-familiar love songs by well-known songwriters, such as Kern and Hammerstein ("Don't Ever Leave Me," "Heaven in My Arms"), Schwartz and Dietz ("Haunted Heart"), George and Ira Gershwin ("Evening Star"), and Stephen Sondheim ("Silly People," cut from A Little Night Music). Other unusual fare includes two songs from Menken and Rice's King David (the title tune, "When in Love"), and Ricky Ian Gordon and Richard Nelson's "If It Is True" (from My Life with Albertine). Most of the songs are accompanied by a lush orchestra, but Jeff Harris's piano is the only accompaniment in the highlight of the album, the standard "That's All" (no, not the Genesis song), which with "My Romance" and "Out of My Dreams" proves that great standards can coexist happily with unfamiliar fare in a classy setting such as this. --David Horiuchi« less
Tenor Philip Chaffin's Warm Spring Night is a rich and romantic follow-up to his Where Do I Go from You?, which was the inaugural release for the label he co-owns with producer Tommy Krasker, PS Classics. While that solo debut was big-band-themed, Warm Spring Night is more eclectic, collecting a number of less-familiar love songs by well-known songwriters, such as Kern and Hammerstein ("Don't Ever Leave Me," "Heaven in My Arms"), Schwartz and Dietz ("Haunted Heart"), George and Ira Gershwin ("Evening Star"), and Stephen Sondheim ("Silly People," cut from A Little Night Music). Other unusual fare includes two songs from Menken and Rice's King David (the title tune, "When in Love"), and Ricky Ian Gordon and Richard Nelson's "If It Is True" (from My Life with Albertine). Most of the songs are accompanied by a lush orchestra, but Jeff Harris's piano is the only accompaniment in the highlight of the album, the standard "That's All" (no, not the Genesis song), which with "My Romance" and "Out of My Dreams" proves that great standards can coexist happily with unfamiliar fare in a classy setting such as this. --David Horiuchi
"Philip Chaffin's first CD, Where Do I Go From You, is never far from my CD player, so I was pleased to see the arrival of his much delayed second outing, Warm Spring Night. Where the earlier CD was a salute to the Big Band Era--at least in style--this time the feeling is more intimate, with songs chosen for their dramatic as well as melodic appeal. Chaffin's warm tenor voice is just right for the exquisite "Haunted Heart," and he caresses the hell out of "My Romance" and "That's All." I was delighted to find one of my favorites, "There's A Room In My House" (from the ill-fated A Family Affair), and a surprisingly effective "Out of My Dreams" (from Oklahoma!). Chaffin also offers a mini-autobiography of himself that sweetly unaffected and frequently touching--just like his performances. [Ghostlight Records]"
Warm Tenor Voice
Matt Alexander | New York, New York | 07/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On Warm Spring Night, Philip Chaffin offers richly sung performances of classic songs both new and old. On the title track, Chaffin's voice soars majestically over the lushly recorded orchestral arrangement. Chaffin later switches gears entirely for a charmingly rendition of "Heaven in My Arms" that is so playful that I can't help but smile every time I hear it.
On a side note, collectors may be interested to know that this album features the premiere recording of "Evening Star" by George and Ira Gershwin."
A Refreshing and Relaxing Seranade
Elizabeth M. Thompson | Denham Springs, Louisiana | 07/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Warm Spring Nights is one of the most refeshing CDs I have purchased in quite some time. It does not require you to react to the music. You only have to listen, relax, and enjoy."
What a voice!
C. Cappa | Bucks County PA USA | 09/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Phillip Chaffin has a voice that is magic! It's soothing, easy to listen to, and hits every note and emotion perfectly. This is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves Broadway or loves the sound of the "crooners" of the 40s. Terrific!"