Nick Vayenas (tmb/tpt/vcl); Patrick Cornelius (alt); Dick Kaufman (pno); Doug Wamble (gtr); Michael Janisch (bs); Rudy Royston (dms).+ Peter Slavov (bs) & Joe Saylor (dms) replace Janisch and Royston on track 2.
(Review by Lance)
On this, his third album, Vayenas makes a triple prong attack spreading his talents between gut wrenching trombone solos, powerhouse trumpet playing and laid back Bakeresque vocals. He does them all very well. Four vocals and, although his pitching isn't always on the money, it's close enough not to offend and indeed has that pleasant laid back feel about it which suggests you wouldn't have it any other way! You Must Believe in Spring, Some Other Time, So in Love and Blame it on my Youth are classic late night outpourings of the heart. Youth, a duo with Wamble on guitar, gets to the core of the song the emotions laid bare.
It's a cracking band with, apart from the leader, fiery alto from Cornelius. My only quibble is that those who get off on the vocals may resent the instrumentals the contrast between the two facets of Vayenas being so great. Personally, I found they gelled - the voice offering welcome relaxation after the hard hitting horn playing, and, of course, vice versa.
Vayenas may at some stage of his career find himself having to concentrate on the vocal side which no doubt will ultimately prove more lucrative - having worked in Michael Bublés backing group he will be under no illusions where the money lies!
In the meantime, I'll take him just the way he is!
Nick Vayenas - Some Other Time is now available on Whirlwind Recordings.Lance.
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