This is the about the third album I’ve heard by vocalist Marcus Goldhaber, and each one is a joy. First, he writes a lot of his own material, and it’s all clever, thoughtful, lyrical and swinging. Second, he’s got a voice that is like a husky Chet Baker: vocool, but with an extra shot of testosterone. Third, he makes old songs sound new, and his new songs sound vintage. He takes “White Hat, Tie and Tails” and turns it into a dreamy thought process in a fantasy world, while “No Moon at All” with Paul Gabrielson’s ominous bass gets dark and harrowing. On his own material, he sounds cozy on the love tune “Take Me” and shows how much he loves a melody on the winsome “As Long As I Am Falling In Love” where he’s all by his lonesome with Jon Davis’ piano.He’s also got a good sense of jive, as he takes you to Kansas City on a strutting “Somebody to Love” that includes Joel Frahm’s meaty tenor. He likes feeling sensitive and gives Chick Flick readings of “You’re Gonna Hear From Me”, and appeals to the Nicolas Sparks crowd with a Notebook-worthy “She Knows” before closing up shop with a funky “Losin’ Your Appeal.” If this guy were any more hip he’d have to visit the chiropractor for re-alignment!
Fallen Apple Record