High Hopes
CenterPoint, 2023
8/10
An artist who is classically trained, Kane Kalas is quite familiar with the Golden Age of music, and he adds a modern twist on 18 tunes of American standards here, and is backed by some excellent musicians and an orchestra.
The always relevant “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” begins the listen with Kalas’ diverse pipes alongside Tony Nalker’s warm piano and Lou Brody’s distinct voice as well, and “All Of Me” follows with bright brass from Jay Davidson’s tenor sax, plus many others, for the emotive and animated jazz climate.
Deeper into the listen, “On My Way To Cape May” welcomes Rachel Brennan’s pretty pipes that complement Kalas’ expressive singing in the melodic landscape, while “Guys And Dolls” enlists Joe Conklin’s vocal solo that helps cultivate a playful, collaborative album highlight.
Further still, the calm grooves of “If Ever I Would Leave You” welcomes a guitar solo from Matt Davis for the romantic spirit, and “Goodnight My Someone” exits with Kalas’ impressive range amid Jackie Warren’s sublime keys.
Kalas might best be known as one of the highest paid poker players in the world, but this universally embraceable debut certainly has him throwing his hat in the ring as a top crooner, too.
Travels well with: Jon Menges- Spirit Of 3, Spirit Of 4; Jeremy Green- Standing Eight