Bye Bye Blackbird has, since its fledgling days in 1926, been played, sung and presented in many different guises. Some worked, a murder of them didn't. Sometimes the collective noun was an apt description. Gimble opts for a funky groove, occasionally upping the tempo, with the help of his fellow 'groovers' - it works.
Tryin' Times, by Donny Hathaway and Lee Hutson and recorded by Roberta Flack in 1969 suits Gimble's deep, husky, voice. He sings as though he's been there and got the t-shirt. Again, there's a touch of funk from Koonse.
I Didn't Know What Time it Was begins with unaccompanied vocal, bass checks his watch and the whole shebang kicks off. Richard Rodgers' melody and Larry Hart's lyrics combine perfectly with Gimble's interpretation. That wonderful verse/middle eight: Grand to be alive, to be young, to be mad, to be yours alone. Grand to see your face, feel your touch, hear your voice say I'm all your own - has there ever been a more evocative lyric? Gimble does it justice.
A Rā (A Frog) sung in Portuguese over the inevitable bossa nova rhythm. Not being versed in Portuguese I don't know if he was actually making love to a frog or just commenting on the species. Perhaps it's best not to know. At the end of the day it's a catchy tune that Gimble puts over well.
The Nearness of You: The singer caresses the lyric seductively capturing the mood of Hoagy's classic to perfection. Piano, bass and drums emphasise the intimacy of the song.
Brand New Key: The title track is a strange choice, particularly for those of us who remember Melanie's 1971 hit with her own composition. Melanie, who died last year aged 76, was convincing as a love struck teenager (she was actually 24) - Gimble isn't. Nevertheless, if you ignore the sexual overtones and just enjoy the funky vocal and the organ blast it's fun.
In the Glow of the Moon, composed by Dena DeRose & Meredith d'Ambrosio, is a romantic song of lost love. As d'Ambrosio's album Midnight Moods is currently riding high among my vocal faves of 2025 it's not surprising that Gimble chose one of her lyrics.
Quietly There: Composed by Johnny Mandel and recorded by Shirley Horn Gimble and the gang salute both and make me wonder why the song isn't heard more often - it compares favourably with the Shadow of Your Smile.
Somebody Groovy: Mama Cass and the Mamas and Papas' first album featured this 'iconic song' (Gimble's words). A 'take it or leave it' track.
Music's the Only Thing on my Mind. A gem from Jimmy Rowles - what an underrated composer and pianist Rowles was. Beautiful vocal, sympathetic guitar and piano underpinned by bass and drums. The perfect end to a delightful album.
Check it out on BANDCAMP. Lance
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