A
refreshingly different CD, a pleasant change to hear a male singer, with a
light toned voice and every word of the lyrics clear (modern pop singers please
note!). A different selection of songs, versions of musical theatre numbers
from shows such as Cabaret; Fiddler on the Roof; Oklahoma.
Add to the mix such fine musicians as Larry Koonse on guitar, who pops up on these review albums so often that I think I know him personally! Then we have a lovely melancholy harmonica solo from Ross Garen on Far From the Home I Love and cool Latin percussion from Leo Costa on Soon It's Gonna Rain. And not forgetting the rest of the band, all performing well.
Mr Brumburgh has come 'full circle' on this album as he performed in musical theatre for two decades. This is his third album as a leader, giving these songs a convincing jazz interpretation. He brings an actor's skill in putting across lyrics.
I especially liked Celebration, about living life to the full, complete with clapping and a male chorus of backing singers, presumably the band themselves, which continues until fade-out. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top is nothing like the Oklahoma version, but is a soulful ballad with a trombone solo for good measure. Happy Talk is bebop influenced and Why Should I Wake Up? from Cabaret is given a bossa nova feel.
Brumburgh began his working life as a teacher, but soon moved into an acting career in Los Angeles, working in plays, musicals, film and television. He left musical theatre behind in 2003 and performed in jazz clubs around LA.
The album is released on Cafe Pacific Records and is available everywhere. See
Everybody's Gotta be Somewhere; Celebration; Why Should I Wake Up?; The Surrey With the Fringe on Top; Happy Talk; Soon It's Gonna Rain; Sorry-Grateful; You've Got to be Taught; Love I Hear; I'm Glad to See You've Got What You Want; Far From the Home I Love; Celebration (extended version) - Ann Alex
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