It’s hard to find a male jazz singer who isn’t a poser or hipster. Scott Morgan has a good chance of becoming what vocal jazz fans are looking for; a guy that loves a lyric and melody. He teams up with a simpatico trio lead by Fred Hersch/p, Matt ARonoff/b and Ross P ederson/dr, mixing Hersch originals, some jazz standards and a couple James Taylor mellows to round out an impressive foray.
His warm tenor’d voice shows its flexibility as he bops with style on “It’s You Or No One” and a well timed “This Heart Of Mine.” Hersch is in glorious form as an accompanist, serving up rich chords and melodies like treats to a Labrador Retriever on the tranquil “Like A Lover” and his own relaxed “ Lazin’ Around.” Morgan exudes a dash of Kenny Rankin when he delves into Taylor territory, being peaceful with Hersch on “Secret O’ Life” and mellow on “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight.” His duet with Janis Siegel during the original “I’ll Follow” Is heartfelt, and his harmonization of The Beatles’ “I Will” is quite clever. You’ll like this guy if you’re looking for life beyond Buble’.