I just cannot figure out why everyone loves Michael Buble’. It’s becoming an obsession with me. He’s SUCH A POSER! All my friends think I’m crazy, or jealous (well, he does have a babe for a wife, but I’m content with my lovely bride), but even both my daughters say “why should I listen to him when Torme’, Frank, Chet and Jackie Paris are so much better?” Have I been a good parent or WHAT?!?
Anyway, here’s proof that if there is a just God (and I believe that there is) eventually male vocalists such as this guy Anthony Strong will have their day in court. First, he’s got his tenored tone down pat. He sounds light and swinging, but it’s his own voice. Even better, he writes a lot of his own material, and, hey, it’s GOOD! A hard bopper such as “Someone Knows” and “Earlybird” are fingersnapping and Strong holds his own with the assertive team of Matt Skelton/dr, Calum Gourlay/b, while he handles the piano work. Hey, a singer who also plays! As far as his treatment of standards, he saunters through a nicely modernized “Too Darn Hot” and produces a hip intro to the percolating “Luck Be A Lady” while rollicking over “My Ship.” Not even breaking a sweat on the rapid fire “Witchcraft” he soulfully convinces on Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed.” Lots of horns, strings and other guitars, basses and drummer/percussionists jump in and out, but the star is the music, man, and Strong’s session is FORTE. You’ll love this cat!
Naïve Records