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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DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ SPECTRUM NOT ON LABEL ~ CANADA ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 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 Rob PiltchFind albums by this artist, Aidan MasonFind albums by this artist and Ted QuinlanFind albums by this artist, bassists George KollerFind albums by this artist and Rich BrownFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul DeLongFind albums by this artist and others including a full brass section. The album presents ten songs, seven of which are originals by Clayton-Thomas and the rest are 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 seventh of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album emphasizes Clayton-Thomas songwriting abilities, which are still remarkable, as much as his 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 soloing 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: 13/01/2021Posted: 13/01/2021

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