CD Review: Tom Culver - Duke's Place

Tom Culver (vocals); Josh Nelson, Rich Eames (piano - 6 tks each); Larry Koonse, Pat Kelley (guitar - 6 & 5 tks each); Ricky Woodward (sax); Nolan Shaheed (trumpet); Gabe Davis (bass); Kevin Winard (drums); Mark Winkler (vocal - 1 tk.)

(Review by Lance)

What can I say? This is a great album but, where are the buyers other than at his sell-out gigs in prestigious east/west coast venues? 12 of the best of Duke's songs is the immediate attraction and he does them to perfection but the casual buyer is going to say, "Hang on, I've got these songs by either, Sinatra, Tormé, Bennett, Ella as well as at least a 101 others".

Fair point but, whilst I'd fall short of saying this album eclipses what has gone before, it is still an album well worth checking out. Culver has his own distinctive identity enhanced by the musicians around him. Woodward solos on both tenor and alto delivering blistering blasts particularly on Duke's Place (C Jam Blues) whilst Shaheed updates Harry Edison. Koonse, is practically the house guitarist on this site - he pops up more frequently than some of our local boys! The pianists are both swingers. Bass and drums do the business and Mark Winkler sneaks in on Caravan with some additional vocal work.

The more I play it, the more I like it. I think that maybe Ol' Blue Eyes, the Velvet Fog, Anthony Dominick Benedetto and Ms. Fitz may be left on the shelf for a while.

Lance.
Duke's Place; I Let a Song Go Out of my Heart; I Ain't Got Nothing But the Blues; Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me; Everything But You; Just Squeeze Me; Mood Indigo; Something to Live For; Love You Madly; Sophisticated Lady; I'm Just a Lucky So and So; Caravan.

Listen/buy.