The number of well-groomed, immaculately attired artists today who believe they can croon as well as Frank Sinatra is growing like an infected wound. Blame it on the surprise success of Michael Buble, the Harry Connick, Jr. of this generation. Most of the time probably will not find a following outside of the nightclubs they frequently perform at; after all, despite the popularity of Buble and Connick, Jr., jazz standards aren't the hot topic in contemporary music.
But Ken Slavin (http://www.kenslavin.com) is different. Slavin isn't attempting to be Sinatra or anybody else for that matter. His voice is stunning by itself. Brimming with passion and soul, Slavin could be a role model on how this style can be pulled off. There are compositions on here dating back 60 years; however, you won't be able to tell because of the fresh-faced and lively renditions that Slavin offers. The title track is invigorating cocktail jazz which finds Slavin giving one of his most soaring performances. Slavin has a deep, penetrating voice; that he can probably woo women of all ages with this instrument is further evidence of how timeless it is. Slavin is not trying to sing like it's 1940; he simply sings, letting the emotional weight of every word, either lovelorn laments or unrestrained giddiness, leap from his silky throat.
|
The musicianship is crisp and engaging. "Alone" features seductive saxophone from Pierre Poirre while "Come Rain or Come Shine" delivers Kevin Hess' most robust drum work. The production is top-of-the-line, placing Slavin's vocals in front of the mix; on "Thoughts of Your Smile (Manha de Carnaval)," it almost sounds like Slavin is whispering in your ear. Slavin has taken these heavily aged tunes and made them his own, free from any imitation. It's almost as if he was born to sing them, which he probably was.
|
