Drift
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A Missouri native and multi-instrumentalist, though Dave Shelton may have gotten his start in recorded music later than most, he’s been playing his entire life, and is quickly making a name for himself in the area of modern jazz. Along with the inimitable Beth Kuhn providing vocals, Drift brings us both originals and covers, where Shelton’s impressive key work is complemented by Mike Staron’s bass and Rick Shandling’s drumming.
The pair start the album with “My Funny Valentine”, where warm keys from Shelton and Kuhn’s divine vocals guide the extremely soulful version of the classic, and this formula follows to the playful original “Dream Maker Place”, where precisely plucked bass and agile drumming anchors the timeless jazz climate.
In the middle, “Where Or When” moves with a frisky pace as Kuhn’s diverse range is on full display in a tune you could and should dance to, while “Invitation” displays sublime chemistry between the players amid a pretty, meticulously textured instrumental. “Tell Me A Bedtime Story”, one of the album’s best, then puts a very inviting and charming spin on a Herbie Hancock tune.
Landing near the end, the infectious piano work of “Let’s Stay Together” won’t go unnoticed as the trio do justice to the Al Green original, and “That’s All” exits the listen with Kuhn’s soaring pipes surrounded by bouncy drumming, firm keys and well timed bass work in the energetic and highly memorable finish.
Shelton and company offer a nice balance of instrumental versus vocal tracks here, and the few originals certainly illustrate his strong songwriting prowess. For fans of any era of jazz, there is much to enjoy here, and it’s all executed flawlessly.
Travels well with: Dennis Mitcheltree- Nevermind The Circus; The Dave Mullen Ensemble- Solace