Robert Francis: Valentine

Vocalist Robert Francis takes on the songs and mood of Chet Baker on this eight song ep. His voice has a bit more darkness to it, which keeps this collection from being mere imitation. Also, he teams up in a non-Baker atmosphere of guitar, bass, drums and smoky tenor sax which gives a bit more shadow to the California Cool. He sound vulnerable and breathy on “Time After Time” and “My Funny Valentine,” with the warm vibrato of the tenor mixed with the pensive guitar pickings on “Time After Time” creating a nice silhouette of a mood. He keeps the Baker attitude yet with a more muscular sense, particularly on “I Get Along Without You Very Well.” Would love to see this guy in concert!

Aeronaut Records

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