Swing is still the thing on these two releases, and nothing sounds re-hashed or nostalgic here. It’s as hot and piping as rolls at Pat’s Steak House in Philly.
Is Matt Forbes a poser? Well, he’s definitely posing in a shark skin suit on a bunch of pictures on this album with a hip band, but unlike Mike Bubbles (TOTAL POSER!!!) this guy sounds like his own man. He’s got a relaxed baritone not unlike Dean Martin with an irresistible hands in the pockets behind the beat unrushed feel. He’s got a wink in the eye on the slinky “Witchcraft” and with the saxy reed section breathes new life into “ Beyond the Sea” while he teams with Steve Hughes’ trombone on a nifty “The Good Life.” Most intriguing of ideas is where he staggers and swaggers on a sepia toned “Gloomy Sunday” instead of the normal desultory read, with Doug Webb’s tenor searing under the light on the street corner. Just as fun is a cozy duet with Adrian Mustain and a classical guitar on “Somethin’ Stupid” as well as a Bohemian styled “Que rest-t-il de Nos Amours” complete with Left Bank guitar and accordion. This guy’s got the deliver and the ‘tude! He sings in LA; why haven’t I seen him yet?!?
Arranger, composer and conductor Patrick Williams also brings together some of LA’s best session guys on this toe tapping delight. Just to name a handful, Dave Grusin/p, Peter Erskine/dr, Bob Sheppard/ts, Tom Scott/ts, Andy Martin/tb and Bob McChesney/tb make up this band, and they sound like they are at a New Year’s Eve Dance Party as they work out on “Home Suite Home I. Elizabeth” and let the sax section deliver a hint of “Lil Darlin” on “ A Hefti Dose Of Basie.” Erskine hits the skins with abandon on the tribute to the master drummer on “That’s Rich (For Buddy” and Patti Austin sounds peppy on “5nd & Broadway.” Vocalists Frank Sinatra Jr teams with Tierney Sutton for a fun loving “I’ve Been Around” while Arturo Sandoval glows on the pastoral “Blue Mist.” Simply irresistible.
Capitol Records
BFM Jazz