Wilford Brimley (vcl); Tamir Hendelman (pno); Christoph Luty (bs); Jeff Hamilton (dms).(Review by Lance).
Brimley is a 78 year old American actor who's appeared in film and on tv. Films include Cocoon, The Firm and Absence of Malice whilst his television gigs were in The Waltons, Seinfield and Our House. He's also been a ranch hand, a horse wrangler, a blacksmith a stuntman and now - he's a singer! A veritable jack of all trades.
Does he cut it as a singer? well, mainly yes and ever so slightly no! Yes, he's in tune, can pitch an interval, and has a rich timbre to his voice that is not unappealing but the delivery is almost that of an actor talking rhythmically. He doesn't quite swing, unlike the magnificent trio who have swing to spare, and yet it's a disc that grows on you with repeated listening.
The material is the choicest of the choice - I Wish You Love; I've Grown Accustomed to her Face; Pick Yourself Up; Waltz For Debby; That Sunday, That Summer; This Love of Mine; Nice Work if You Can Get it, A Sleepin' Bee and Bidin' my Time are but a few of the songs that, despite my reservations, make this a very listenable album. On piano, Hendelman is the perfect accompanist and swings like crazy - aided and abetted by Hamilton and Luty.- on his solos.
Summing up, it's well worth checking out for the swinging trio, the songs and their unique interpretation. In many ways Brimley could be an actor turned jazz singer who passed through Nashville en route.
And you know what? Doggone it, I like it!Wilford Brimley with the Jeff Hamilton Trio is currently available on Capri Records 7402-2.
Lance.
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