The Yale Whiffenpoofs - The Best Whiffenpoofs Ever

The Yale Whiffenpoofs - The Best Whiffenpoofs Ever

2010, The Whiffenpoofs Of Yale University, Inc.

When you think of college acapella groups, The Yale Whiffenpoofs should be the first group that jumps to mind.  Intellectual arguments turn to fisticuffs in the Ivy League when debating who get there first, but there's no argument that the Whiffenpoofs have been the most enduring of the bunch.  Still clad in the tux and tales outfits that have been their trademark since the dawn of the 20th century, The Whiffenpoofs are as much a part of Yale culture as beanies and secret societies.  The group raised their national stature a few notches higher this past December with their appearances on NBC's The Sing Off!, but The Whiffenpoofs were known around the world long before Ben Folds ever dreamt up his TV show.  In 2010, The Whiffenpoofs released their latest album, The Best Whiffenpoofs Ever, a 17-song collection that mixes tradition and imagination in equal measure.

The Best Whiffenpoofs Ever opens with "Nature Boy", in a great arrangement that's a bit more upbeat than you might be used to hearing.  The reading offered here gives the classic tune a dramatic, spy-thriller flare that's amusing.  "Haven't Met You Yet" features a nice, easy-going vocal line that fits nicely into the harmonic basked of the arrangement.  "Rainbow Connection" is sweet and lyric, with a rolling, wave-like feel in the harmonies.  "Midnight Train To Georgia" has the 'IT' factor in the lead vocal line, contrasted with exceedingly smooth backing vocals.

"Down By The Salley Gardens" dips deep into the Whiffenpoofs repertoire a William Butler Yeats derivative of the song "The Rambling Boys Of Pleasure".  The lead vocal is solid, but the vocal arrangement is painted in ethereal pastels in a quasi-baroque setting.  "Too Darn Hot" is done as a snappy jazz number that's highly entertaining, and probably more so when seen live.  The Whiffenpoofs take on Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell on "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You".  The lead vocal here is a refreshingly clear tenor and resonates in the clean, open arrangement.  "Leavin' On A Jet Plane" is well constructed, building up vocal ladders into a pyramid of angelic harmonies.  The mellow lead vocal line here is a nice touch that simply adds to the magic.  Next up, Kurt Weill gets the Whiffenpoof treatment in "September Song", a reverential reading that's striking in its beauty.

The absolute highlight of the album, however, is a tune written by former Whiffenpoof Jonathan Coulton (Yale '93).  "Re: Your Brains" is brilliantly constructed and full of wicked humor as it deconstructs a classic movie zombie tale in eight part harmony.  You need to hear this tune even if you've never heard Coulton's original.  Don't be surprised if some savvy Broadway producer doesn't latch onto this tune and build a musical around it.  "When The Saints Go Marchin' In" shows real moxie.  Opening with a bass solo is unusual and appealing, but the vocalist, who really isn't bad, just doesn't have the presence to carry this.  The arrangement is solid and the overall performance excellent.  The scat breakdown after the first verse is entertaining.  The Whiffenpoofs even pull some Gospel sounds out of the process, evolving into a Take-6 like coda.  The whole enterprise eventually resolves into an MGM-end theme style at the close.

The Whiffenpoofs step back in time with their proverbial theme "The Whiffenpoof Song".  The arrangement is beautiful, but there is the power and force of a charismatic history behind the song that is palpable.  It's a compelling listen.  The album closes with a spirited rendition of the classic gospel tune "Operator".  The Take-6 sound comes back here in small measure, but there's also a showy aspect of the rendition that reminds one of old-time radio.  The song is tight, well-arrangement and perfectly executed.

The Whiffenpoofs as a historical organization have probably forgotten more about acapella singing than many of the newer groups today even know.  The Best Whiffenpoofs Ever is probably a subject open for debate amongst alumni of the group, but there's no doubt that the current crop of The Yale Whiffenpoofs live up to the name measure for measure.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about the Yale Whiffenpoofs at www.whiffenpoofs.com.  The Best Whiffenpoofs Ever is available on CD from the Whiffenpoofs Store.  Digital versions of the album are available from Amazon.com and iTunes.

Rain Perry - Internal Combustion

Rain Perry - Internal Combustion
2010, Precipitous Records

Rain Perry grew up in a Bohemian lifestyle that involved 20-something moves by high school. Born to free-spirited parents in California, Perry had the room to choose her own path as she grew, and particular with the development of her musical talents. Immersing herself early in the songwriting of Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan and Carole King, Perry has developed her own flair for a well-told story and well-constructed song. These tendencies have led to Perry winning the grand Prize at the 2000 John Lennon Songwriting competition in the folk category as well as having her song "Beautiful Tree" selected as the title track of the CW's Life Unexpected. Perry continues her confessional style on the folk/rock extravaganza Internal Combustion, due out September 21, 2010. Produced by Mark Hallman (Ani DiFranco, Carole King, Eliza Gilkyson), Internal Combustion finds Perry ruminating on inner motivations and how the force us to relate to the world around us.

Internal Combustion opens with the clinically personal anthem "The Compartmentalized Thing". It's a self-assessment on the ability to put your heart on your sleeve as a performer and then walk away and have a life away from the stage. Perry's voice is warm and wiry, having both a gentle quality that draws you in and a wiry strength that holds onto you once drawn. "Til It Shines" (Bob Seger) is a great read of a classic tune. Perry's rendition is subtle and full of quiet emotion, perhaps one-upping the original with a warmth and sweetness that Seger's rough-edged voice could just never convey. "Red Green White Blue" is all about seeking solace in your surroundings; in nature. It's offered up in a gentle arrangement that's poignant and sweet. Perry is in fine voice for "So You're The Muse". This is a song you might not take to on first listen, but it will grow on you with its searching needfulness and minimalist arrangement.

"Next Big Thing" is sort of a sociological observation on the primal draw of a young preacher wrapped in a gospel/blues arrangement. Focusing more on physical than spiritual "salvation", the song is spot-on in digging at humanity's yang and yin of corruption and rebirth. Perry's sense of humor comes fully out in the open on "Keanuville", an obsessive rumination on Keanu Reeves and his band Dogstar written from the perspective of his biggest fan. One of the true highlights of Internal Combustion is Perry's cover of Paul Simon's "Rene & Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War". Perry gives the song a lyric reading and is at her vocal best. Simon fans may find the arrangement of the background vocalists a bit jarring, and this is actually something of a distraction. Stripping this number down to just Rain Perry and piano without the backing vocalists would simply highlight how stellar a performance this is.

"A Perfect Storm" is an amazing ode to an old sea captain who's lost at sea and those he left behind, with a parallel drawn between the endless flow of the sea and of life. This is the best outright songwriting on the album. "Ambulance Song" plays like random thoughts reaching out to the survivors of an accident when coming upon an ambulance on the roadside. It's a great moment; warm and heartfelt and thoroughly uncharacteristic of your typical rock/pop album. Perry closes with a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On", singing it as more of a pure love song but still with the carnal intent. It's a highly appealing cover that could certainly garner Perry some licensing placements and perhaps even a place on the charts.

Rain Perry is exquisitely human on Internal Combustion, establishing an almost personal link with the listener while running the gamut of human emotion and imperfection. As debut albums go, this one is stellar. You might not see any big hits out of Perry this time around, but Internal Combustion is the sort of album that builds serious expectations for next time. And Perry might just have the goods to deliver.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Rain Perry at http://www.rainperry.com/ or www.myspace.com/rainperry.  Internal Combustion drops on September 21, 2010.  Keep checking Perry's site for availability.

Guy Sebastian - Like It Like That

Guy Sebastian - Like It Like That
2009, Sony Music Australia

Guy Sebastian is a soul singer from Australia with a sound that's so retro it's fresh. The judge on Australia's version of The X-Factor is also a surprisingly good vocalist and songwriter, blending 1960's Pop and R&B with more modern sounds in a fashion that could catch chart fire very quickly. Sebastian's US debut, Like It Like That was released in June of this year, featuring performances from John Mayer and Jordin Sparks. Produced by David Ryan Harris (Mariah Carey, Nick Jonas, John Mayer), Like It Like That seems likely to open a lot of doors in the US for Sebastian.

Sebastian opens with "Like It Like That", an incredibly catchy pop tune with a pure 1960s feel. You'll find yourself dancing, laughing and singing along to this romantic summer/party song; you won't be able to get it out of your head. Sebastian sounds a lot like Tom Jones on "All To Myself", a big R&B/pop number that shows off Sebastian's expressive voice in fine fashion. "Art Of Love" is a duet with Jordin Sparks, and a big missed opportunity. The production here is very modern and slick, complete with vocal effects and too much clutter. Both Sebastian and Sparks have tremendous voices and would have been better left to simply spin the song over a minimal arrangement, but David Ryan Harris appears to have been aiming for the Top-40 charts here and in the process ruined what should have been a benchmark duet.

Sebastian gets back to pure pop with "Attention" before sidling into "Magic", a duet with Australian singer Tarryn Stokes. This time they get it right, with both Sparks and Sebastian at the top of their respective games. "Bring Yourself" is a classic 1960's-style soul ballad and offers what may the most dynamic vocal performance of the album. "Never Hold You Down" keeps that classic feel, updating it just enough to make it fresh without losing the essential retro flavor of the tune. Sebastian channels Marvin Gaye on "Fail To Mention" and keeps in the same vein with "Never Be You". Gaye fans may do a double take the first time they hear "Fail To Mention". "Coming Home" is a pure pop/classic R&B confection you can't help but love. Sebastian pulls a major change of pace for the final song, "Perfection", detailing the creation of a woman in heaven. This tune puts the better half of humanity on a collective pedestal and is likely to make a lot of young hearts swoon when Sebastian sings it in concert. At the same time it's quite saccharine and could inspire an equally strong polar reaction from those not inclined to the tune.

Guy Sebastian is at his best when he keeps it simple. This is an artist very much steeped in the traditions of classic R&B and soul music. Sebastian explores these sounds with a distinctive pop sensibility that gets under your skin on Like It Like That. When Sebastian tries to be too modern or too sweet it comes across as less than truthful, but when he stays true to his sound he's personality plus. Like It Like That has its off moments, but balance it's so good you won't be able to put it down. Look out American, here comes Guy Sebastian.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Guy Sebastian at http://www.guysebastian.com.au/ or www.myspace.com/guysebastian.  Like It Like That is available through amazing as a pricey import on CD or as a Download.  The album is also available digitally via iTunes.

Review: Human Nature - Reach Out

Human Nature - Reach Out
2009, Sony Music

Forget about the world-wide follow or Las Vegas stage show. You know that any Motown/R&B cover band endorsed by Smokey Robinson has got to be good. Human Nature is that band. Starting out nearly two decades ago in Australia, Human Nature has taken a love of classic Motown music and turned it into a world-wide phenomenon with eight albums generation millions of sales in CDs, singles and downloads around the world. Originally known as the 4Trax Brothers, the band changed their name when they signed with Sony Australia. Human Nature went triple-platinum with their debut album, Telling Everybody (2006), earning support spots for Michael Jackson and Celine Dion for their Australian tours and being asked to stay on for European legs for both artists. Human Nature's stature continued to grow and they were honored to perform the Australian national anthem at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney along with Julie Anthony.

Originally a boy band, Human Nature decided to try a more adult sound for their 2005 Australian release, Reach Out. Reach Out reached #1 in Australia and has been certified platinum five times over. Human Nature made their first adventure to the United States in 2008 with their Motown show, with a two-month stay at Atlantic City's Tropicana Casino. 2009 finds Human Nature with an extended engagement at Las Vegas' Imperial Palace Hotel, and the release of Reach Out in the United States.

Reach Out opens Reach Out I'll Be There, originally performed by The Four Tops. Human Nature could almost be mistaken for The Four Tops at the height of their game, and Reach Out I'll Be There is a spirited and faithful cover. You Keep Me Hanging On (The Supremes) keeps the vibe going; the harmonies here are spot on Human Nature keeps the song moving along nicely. Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through The Grapevine hits the perfect notes on the arrangement, but the vocal line just can't compare to Gaye's original. Smokey Robinson himself makes a guest appearance on Get Ready; proving he can still sing but not really meshing well with Human Nature who threaten to overpower his sweet falsetto. One of the highlights of Reach Out is the cover of The Temptations' The Way You Do The Things You Do. This is a classic song that would be hard to ruin, but Human Nature is inspired and inject the song with a new energy that is virally infectious.

Human Nature packs in another highlight with My Girl (The Temptations); staying very close to the original but altering the vocal harmony work a bit and actually enhancing the sound. The Jackson 5 are represented here, a perhaps unwitting tribute in light of the tragic death of Michael; ABC is done with the vivacity of the original, but the original is so iconic that all covers fall short. Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross) is decent; I didn't get the same sense of energy on this tune as on much of the rest of the album, but it still comes across okay. Dancing In The Street (Martha & The Vandellas) refreshes the classic tune with a chart-worthy performance, although it doesn't have the pure hubris of the Mick Jagger/David Bowie version recorded in 1985. Human Nature closes out on River Deep, Mountain High with guest vocalist Mary Wilson (The Supremes). This turns out to be the best track on the disc. Wilson can still bring it with the best of them, and Human Nature wraps their voices around hers in a bit of Motown heaven.

Reach Out is essentially a re-release, although it's new to audiences in North America. It's a first class cover album with an outstanding guest appearance by Mary Wilson and a strong one by Smokey Robinson. The way for this show coming to the US was likely paved by Broadway's Jersey Boys, and handles the classic hits of Motown in similarly reverential fashion. What a way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Motown; an album full of the spirit that Motown always exuded from folks who love the songs and treat them with the respect they deserve. Human Nature is a first-class vocal group, and the performances here are generally top-notch. Make sure you check out Human Nature's Reach Out; and if you're in Vegas, see the stage show!

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Human Nature at their webpage or on MySpace. Reach Out is available on CD in North America exclusively through Barnes And Noble. Downloads can be purchased from iTunes. Reach Out will go into wider release on CD on February 9, 2010. Human Nature is appearing at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas through May of 2010. Information about the show, including ticket info is available through http://www.humannaturelasvegas.com/.

Review: Lisa Hilton - Twilight & Blues

Lisa Hilton - Twilight & Blues
2009, 1012 Ruby Slippers Productions

Renowned pianist and composer Lisa Hilton returns this August with her eleventh album, Twilight & Blues, featuring five covers and five original tracks. Supported y Lewis Nash (drums), Larry Grenadier (bass), Jeremy Pelt (trumpet) and J.D. Allen (tenor sax), Hilton finds occasional magic under the watchful eye of fourteen-time Grammy winning producer Al Schmitt. Whether lighting up blues-influenced originals or covering the likes of Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye or Joni Mitchell, Hilton always seems very much in her element.

Twilight & Blues kicks off with the funky swing of Pandemonium. Piano, trumpet and sax shared melody chores, occasionally pulling together ensemble to offer moments of sonic resolution. Joni Mitchell's Woodstock finds Hilton leading us through a moody piece with a lot of inner turbulence that manages to rise above itself without losing that inner tension. What's Going On (extended take) is a soulful and respectful take on the Marvin Gaye classic. The trumpet in particular shines, and Hilton is as solid as ever on piano. Hilton gets inspired on City Streets with some of her hottest piano work yet. The rhythm and texture she builds into the song is supported by upright bass and percussion for six minutes of near-perfection. Joplin's Kozmic Blues has a cinematic feel to it, with a hopeful theme that rises out of what is initially a melancholy arrangement built on plaintive rhythms. Hilton finds a bit more magic in her interpretation of Moon River (Henry Mancini), punctuating the legato melody line with the occasional run or sparkle that adds extra life to the classic. Hilton closes out with the regular version of What's Going On, which may appeal more to listeners who want to hear the song as Gaye performed it but lacks some of the creative magic Hilton finds on the extended version.

What most surprised me about Twilight & Blues is that it never once comes across sounding canned, not even on the cover tunes. Schmitt is a genius at the boards, and Grenadier and Nash provide a spark against which Hilton rises continuously. Hilton is obviously quite accomplished, and she gives some of her best recorded performances on Twilight & Blues, digging into a creative well that runs the length of her career and deep into her childhood. I highly recommend you take some time and spend it with Hilton and Twilight & Blues.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Lisa Hilton at http://www.lisahiltonmusic.com/ or on Facebook. You can purchase Twilight & Blues as either a CD or download through CDBaby.com.

Review: Smokey Robinson - Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Smokey Robinson - Time Flies When You're Having Fun
2009, ROBSO Records/ADA Distribution

It's been fifty years since Smokey Robinson stepped into the limelight as one of the ubiquitous faces of Motown Records. Over time the acknowledgements have compounded, whether being honored on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame, receiving an honorary Doctorate from the Berklee College Of Music, a Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award from ASCAP or Kennedy Center Honors, Smokey Robinson has had an artistic and personal impact on music and on our culture. Robinson is known for numerous hits with The Miracles and on his own (Shop Around, Tracks Of My Tears, Tears Of A Clown, I Second That Emotion, Cruisin' and many others), but he's also written a slew of hits for artists such as The Temptations (My Girl, The Way You Do The Things You Do), Mary Wells (My Guy), The Marvelettes (Don't Mess With Bill) and Marvin Gaye (Ain't That Peculiar, I'll Be Doggone). Robinson doesn't sit on his laurels, however, returning on August 25, 2009 with an album full of 10 originals and 2 cover tunes: Time Flies When You're Having Fun. The voice shows a little wear from fifty years of crooning but is none the worse for it all. There's no one quite like Smokey Robinson.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun opens with the title track, a poetic monster but melodically a bit less than what I was expecting. Robinson has always had a distinctive talent for lyrics, and his voice is still unquestionable even with the toll of fifty years in the business, but something about this track just didn't click for me. Robinson's take on Norah Jones' Don't Know Why is true to the original but has more of a live feel. Robinson still records to this day with the entire band in one room, giving a more organic feel to the album and to this track in particular. Girlfriend finds Robinson digging into a more modern R&B/Dance feel, played organically. The result is a song with serious commercial value without compromising the timeless spirit that runs through the heart of Robinson's music.

Joss Stone steps in for a duet with Robinson on You're The One For Me. Stone tries to adapt a more lyric vocal style here to meld with Robinson's trademark sound but it just doesn't work out well for her. When singing with Robinson she sounds fine, but the heavy vibrato that creeps into Stone's softer sound makes a mess of the vocal line. This came as a surprise as I generally enjoy Stone's voice, but not here. One Time is an active R&B song that's as smooth as they come. I don't know if it will pull much weight on commercial radio with Robinson on vocals Robinson is a little outside their demographic, but put this song with a young up-and-comer and you've probably got a top ten hit. The biggest treat on the disc is Please Don't Take Your Love; hearing two legends such as Smokey Robinson and Carlos Santana trade lead lines is worth the price of admission on its own.

Whatcha Gonna Do is a soulful love jam with some serious jazz-inspired piano work. The vocal line gets to be a little repetitive late in the song, but overall it's a strong track. Satisfy You had a classic feel, along the lines of I Second That Emotion, but done in a modern R&B arrangement. The melody is archetypal for Robinson's songbook and may well join the ranks as one of his best songs. You're Just My Life features Robinson in a duet with the exquisite India.Arie. India.Arie holds her own alongside the Motown legend, providing listeners with a duet to remember. Robinson closes out Time Flies When You're Having Fun with an unnamed bonus track that turns out to be Robinson's take on The Jackson Five's One More Chance. Whether this was a late add-on in tribute to Jackson or planned ahead of time it's a classy rendition from a classy artist.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun is a wondrous mix of old and new; Smokey Robinson doesn't sacrifice himself or his sound but does manage to mix in a bit of the sounds of today with classic songwriting that would have been at home at any time in the Motown Era. The album has a couple of ups and downs but on the whole is a strong effort that should satisfy existing fans while opening the ears of a new generation to the wonder that is Smokey Robinson. Very well done.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun drops on August 25, 2009. You can pre-order the CD through Amazon.com, or you can pre-order the download through iTunes.

Review: Sam "Shake" Anderson - Stories From Sammie Lewis

Sam “Shake” Anderson – Stories From Sammy Louis
2008, Sam “Shake” Anderson

If you’re ready for some classic mid-western R&B and Soul, then check out Sam “Shake” Anderson’s Stories From Sammie Lewis. Marching to a beat somewhere between Marvin Gaye and Al Green, Sam “Shake” Anderson lays down twelve classic sounding tracks on the CD The cover of Set It Off is sublime, and Anderson will lull you into reverie with songs like Don’t Come Roun’ Here No Mo’, Sold Me Down The River and The Only Game In Town. Anderson possesses a sugar-smooth voice, but finds the Rock N Soul sound when called for. Be sure to check out Shine On, That Won’t Mean and We May Never Get Out Of Here, but there really isn’t a weak track on the disc.

Sam “Shake” Anderson plays and sings like he built the old school. There are a lot of pretenders out there, but Stories From Sammy Louis proves that Sam “Shake” Anderson is a champ.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Sam “Shake” Anderson at www.myspace.com/samshakeanderson or http://www.shakeanderson.com/, where you can purchase a copy of Stories From Sammy Louis

Review: Boney James - Send One Your Love

Boney James – Send One Your Love
2009, Concord Records

Boney James is prolific. Thirteen albums in seventeen years, including four RIAA certified gold albums, four #1 albums and three resulting Grammy nominations is quite a track record. James cut his teeth touring and doing session work for the likes of Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Randy Crawford, Ray Parker Jr. and Bobby Caldwell. Boney James is for all intents and purposes the founding father of urban jazz, and has influenced an entire generation of jazz musicians. His latest release, Send One Your Love, is a theme record based on the sort of music Barry White and Marvin Gaye made their own.

Send One Your Love opens with the smoothe sounds of Wanna Show U Sumthin’. Breaking down the barriers between jazz and pop with a slow jam vibe, Wanna Show U Sumthin’ makes a great listen. Send One Your Love is a bit lighter, set in an exquisite arrangement full of layered sounds. Stop, Look, Listen comes back to an acoustic base that seems to work best with Boney James’ sax. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is pure soul, featuring newcomer Quinn (Atlanta, Ga) on vocals. Quinn has pipes that rank up there with Seal, and this arrangement works to feature his distinctive voice perfectly. City Of Light is one of my favorite tracks here. Boney James is inspired on this one, dancing in and out of the arrangement like the life of bees.

Boney James has been around for a long, long time, and continues to please old fans while making new ones with each release. Send One Your Love will not disappoint existing fans and is accessible enough to spread the gospel of Boney James to a new generation. Send One Your Love is great listening.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Boney James at http://www.boneyjames.com/. You can pick up a copy of Send One Your Love at Amazon.com or wherever music is sold.