Not every female singer sounds like Norah Jones, and not every male singer is a clone of Michael Buble’. Here are a pair of vocalists, one gone, one new, that show how it’s done.
OK, will both of you people that DON’T already have an Etta James records please stand up? If you’re one of those, here’s a great start. She’s caught in 4 Montreux festivals, ’75, ’77, ’89 and ’93 (which has the most material). She’s Stax-record funky with some horns on “Respect Yourself” and the band glides like Elmore James’ strings on “Dust My Broom.” She’s growling through “I’d Rather Go Blind” and the soulful “Beware,” while she shows she can also tease a ballad during her medley that includes “At Last” and “ A Sunday Kind of Love.” A truly one of a kind voice and attitude.
Meanwhile, Gregory Generet sounds like sorghum poured out of a jar: thick, rich and filled with crystals of joy. He can be peppy, as on a boppish “How High The Moon” and he can caress a lyric with an aunt’s soft hand on “Once You’ve Been In Love.” He’s backed by a sympathetic team of Onaje Allan gumbs/p, Marcus McLaurine/b and Payton Crossley/dr, but cameo artists pop in and out like Around The World in 80 Days, such as Jair Coelho bringing his guitar in to add some lilt to “Rio de Janiero Blues” or some wild vocals and horn work on a tribal “Caravan.” Well conceived and well rounded.
Eagle Rock Records
Monsieur Records