Record Reviews

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ COMBO ANTOINETTE 0001 (Barcode: 061297459018) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is an album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist. Coming back to his early days in the Jazz clubs of his native Toronto, before he moved to NY, he returns to his musical roots of Blues and Jazz. He is accompanied by a combo, which includes pianist Mark KieswetterFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, drummer Ben RileyFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Coleen AllenFind albums by this artist and guitarist Ted QuinlanFind albums by this artist. Female guest singers are featured on two stacks. The material comprises of Blues, Soul and Jazz standards. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the tenth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. Despite his age (he was 73 when this music was recorded) Clayton-Thomas is still a remarkable singer, who lost nothing of his ability to interpret songs in his very unique way and to express his feelings with the same intensity he was able to when he was in his twenties. The choice of material is obviously less demanding than what he was up against when fronting BS&T, but his performances are every bit as heartwrenching. Blessed by one of the most idiosyncratic voices in music history from the 1960s on, Clayton-Thomas is a phenomenon, way beyond simple nostalgic memories. It is wonderful to hear one of the heroes of my youth still alive and kicking, with Artistry that is able to keep him ahead of most of the contemporary vocalists, leaving a cloud of dust behind. For listeners who love true Jazz / Blues vocals, a bit "old school" perhaps but still vibrant and unique, this album is an absolute must. Unadulterated pleasure from start to finish!

Updated: 12/08/2020Posted: 20/06/2020

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