Record Reviews

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ BLOODLINES DCT 2000 (Barcode: 660355351228) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a huge team of over two dozen musicians, including some BS&T cohorts: trumpeters Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist and Tony KlatkaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Dave BargeronFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Fred LipsiusFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike SternFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary FooteFind albums by this artist, drummer Brian DelaneyFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents twelve songs, all of which were written by Clayton-Thomas. 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 second of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album is the closest in style and sound to the album recorded with BS&T. The songs are beautifully arranged in the Brass Rock style and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb instrumental performances from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride. My copy is autographed and includes a ticket stub from the concert where he signed the album. Overall, this is an absolutely sublime example of David Clayton-Thomas as a vocalist and songwriter, one of the greatest talents to emerge on the American (well Canadian) scene in all time. Absolutely classic and indispensable in every collection of his recordings, but admittedly very difficult to find.

Updated: 08/06/2023Posted: 08/06/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM FONTANA NORTH 122003 (Barcode: 620673331524) ~ CANADA ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: guitarists Gil ParrisFind albums by this artist, Jamie FoxFind albums by this artist and Gregg SullivanFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary FooteFind albums by this artist, drummer Brian DelaneyFind albums by this artist and others including a full brass section. The album presents fourteen Christmas songs in jazzy arrangements, none of which were written by Clayton-Thomas, but several are lesser known and rarely performed within that sub-genre. 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 third of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album emphasizes Clayton-Thomas stamina and performing abilities despite his advanced age. The songs are beautifully arranged partly in the Brass Rock style and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb instrumental performances from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 04/06/2021Posted: 04/06/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RAFI GINAT ~ EYE LEVEL TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290012387944) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 Israeli TV personality Rafi GinatFind albums by this artist, blessed with a deep bass voice, dreamt for many years to record an album with the American band Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist. Fond of the great brass arrangements, for which the band is famous, Ginat finally managed to make his dream come true. He invited current Blood, Sweat & Tears members (bassist Gary FooteFind albums by this artist, drummer Andrea ValentiniFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Steve JankowskiFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jens WendelboeFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Ken GioffreFind albums by this artist) to Israel and the recorded a dozen songs, nine of which are standards sung in English and three are Israeli songs sung in Hebrew. The music is beautifully arranged and preformed by the guest musicians with some help from local musicians: guitarist Avi SingoldaFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Gil FeldmanFind albums by this artist, who is also responsible for the arrangements. Although not a professional vocalist, Ginat tries his best and compensates for the lack of vocal flexibility by his highly developed musicality. The brass arrangements are of course absolutely brilliant and this album should be of interest to the many Blood, Sweat & Tears fans around the world!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend