CD Review - Nick Vayenas: "Nick Vayenas."

Nick Vayenas (vcl/tpt/vcl); Dan Kaufman (pno); Vincente Archer (bs); Kendrick Scott (dms); + guests Lionel Loueke (gtr); Patrick Cornelius ( saxes).

(Review by Lance).

It's always nice to have a CD package with a New York postmark turn up in the mailbox - an indication that Bebop Spoken Here is now a global phenomenon - (dream on Lance!)

Back to reality. The CD is by Nick Vayenas who, after many years touring with Michael Bublé is now stepping into the spotlight on his own account - or rather three counts to be precise.

A more than capable trumpeter he displays an almost Clark Terry-like puckishness in his solos whilst on trombone he combines a lush tone with a vibrant attack. And as if that wasn't enough he sings.

It's a cool laid back vocal sound reminiscent of Chet Baker without sounding like Chet.  Come to think of it you could say the same about his trumpet playing.

The rhythm section is superb and those tracks that have Loueke on guitar and Cornelius on sax offer an extra dimension.

I thought I'd heard enough versions of Stardust over the years but this up-tempo Latin take with a trombone blast in the middle is just different enough to be worthwhile. Other vocals include All or Nothing at All; You Don't Know What Love is and My Ship all done seductively laid back The non vocals are originals by Vayenas and indicate that he has a fourth trick going for him - a composer.

I predict we will hear more of this young man on any one - or all four - of his talents.

Whirlwind Recordings WR4623.

www.nickvayenas.com.

Lance.
PS: The blurb describes Nick as being a Conn-Selmer artist yet the CD cover shows a King trombone! Presumably King and Conn are now one.