Anthony Strong is no stranger to BSH. Over the years we have reviewed the following albums: EP: Delovely (2011); Stepping Out (2013); Me and my Radio (2019) - there may have been more.
In 2015 he guested with SSBB @ Hoochie and in 2024 appeared at the Fire Station in Sunderland with a selection of other artists who had 'previous' with the band. A compilation Album: Strictly Smokin' Big Band and Friends included a track by Strong and this latest release looks to be another winner.
Some Enchanted Evening offers an alternative to the familiar quasi-operatic version we know from stage and screen. This is more soulful, grittier without losing the composer's intent. My Favorite Things verges on Coltrane territory. The strings provide sheets of sound, Brandon Allen blows tenor and one speculates as to what was in those "brown paper packages tied up with string".
Can't Help Lovin' That Man (Girl) of Mine. As well as singing, Strong effectively backs himself on piano. Callum Au's string arrangement, as it is throughout the album, a masterclass in the art of string scoring. Love For Sale has more piano and, with Fitch's guitar solo the result is like an updated King Cole small group.
If You Leave me Now, a big hit for Chicago in the mid '70s is given an equally smooth treatment aided and abetted by Pamina Beroff. Beautifully laid back. The Things We Did Last Summer takes us back to King Cole mode. Both piano and voice create the feeling without losing Strong's own personality that wowed me at Hoochie and does so again here. Barford's crisp brushwork adds to the gentle swing.
Lionel Bart's Where is Love? was new to me and I can't say it caused the earth to move. Voice, strings and a pleasing guitar solo not withstanding it hit the side-netting. While We're Young's an out and out production number - an Alec Wilder composition deserves nothing less. The strings sweep and swoosh like a symphony orchestra on vacation. Allen has a blow and Strong just about holds his own.
It's Not Unusual, forever associated with Tom Jones, turns out to be ideal for Strong's less flamboyant approach. He jazzifies it with a gentle scatting fade-out prior to which Allen had plenty to say on tenor. He has been a tower of strength when given the call. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine: voice, piano, guitar, bass and drums bring the great Buddy Greco to mind and Strong sings and swings just like the late Mr Greco did.
Twilight Time, an easy listening track (nothing wrong with that). The strings saw away and Strong builds the tension without overdoing it. Pamina returns to duet with Anthony on the unusual No Two People that I recall from an old Columbia recording by Doris Day and Donald O'Connor. I note Danny Kaye and Jane Wyman doing it on YouTube. Our duo stay faithful to the originals with the plus of a piano solo from Anthony.
Pennies From Heaven brings this most enjoyable album to a close but not before some more scatting. Recommended - maybe the homegrown vocal of the year. Lance
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