Here’s a hip vocalist that delivers like a closing reliever-lots of variety and keeps you guessing with his changes of speed. Tenor-toned vocalist Jeffrey Gimble has a with-it attitude here on this release of ten tunes ranging from standards to sixties soul. His yoked mates of Tamir Hendelman/p-arr, Ryan McGillicuddy/b, Bob Sheppard/sax, and either Zach Harmon or Dean Koba/dr are as versatile as the Flying Wallendas, giving a boogaloo groove to Gimble’s own “Creatures” while the leader delivers a percussive intro before going into a cool rasp. He displays some nimble work on “Sweet and Lovely” and “High Wire/The Aerialist” as well as some intricate enunciation on Oscar Brown’s “Hum Drum Blues.” A soulful take of “Ain’t No Sunshine” has a more dreamlike feel than the original, while “The Windmills Of Your Mind” floats like a kite. Through it all, he feels more like the member of the team rather than the big cheese-a good sign.
Café Pacific Records
www.jeffreygimble.com