OK, I’ll admit it; I’m a sucker for male singers that aren’t Buble’ clones are stuck in the standards. Dave Tull has a voice and style that is like a mix of Frank Sinatra and Dave Frishberg; swinging yet clever. He is supported in various incarnations by some of LA’s best session artists, while he himself plays drums. Randy Porter-Randy Waldman/p, Larry Koonse/g, Kevin Axt/b, Wayne Bergeron/tp, Doug Webb/sax, Andy Martin/tb and various other guests fill this swinging album.
He teams with Cheryl Bentyne for a slinky and bluesy “The Date” that has Axt and Porter glide with delight. He’s got a clear and upbeat delivery with a drummer’s sense of groove on peppy pieces such as the title track or the bopping samba “You Remind Me,” while he wallows in lush strings and support on “The Moment.” He struts with confidence through clever lyrics with intriguing subjects for “Please tell Me Your Name” and “Watch Your Kid” while he’s as flexible as Mark Murphy as he lounges on “Clapping on One and Three.”
Everything about this album is enthusiastic, optimistic, clear, fresh and inviting. When’s he going to show what he can do in concert?!?