This Life
Pandemic Poodle, 2022
8/10
A multi-instrumentalist and singer who has enjoyed a 30+ year career, Curtis Stigers revisits some of his most revered songs to date on the aptly titled This Life.
“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding” opens the listen with plenty of warmth amid the soft guitar, cozy percussion and soulful brass, and “You’re All That Matters To Me” follows with a stylish version of jazz that’s cautious and pretty with a poetic quality that benefits much from Stigers’ expressive pipes.
The title track lands in the middle and recruits an alluring brand of intimacy where well timed keys add much to the radiant atmosphere, while “Summertime” showcases bass acrobatics alongside firm keys and Stigers’ soaring voice.
Near to the end, “Swingin’ Down At 10th And Main” indeed swings with a playful and uplifting demeanor, and ‘Never Saw A Miracle” exits the listen on a romantic note where so much beauty is present and appreciated.
These songs have all undergone transformation from when they were first penned, as Stigers plays them differently in concert, so this isn’t your standard ‘Best Of’ collection by any means. He’s joined by John “Scrapper” Sneider (trumpet), Matthew Fries (piano and Wurlitzer electric piano), Cliff Schmitt (bass), Paul Wells and Keith Hall (drums), plus special guest Larry Goldings on organ, and together they make for an exceptional and timeless jazz listen.
Travels well with: Thomas Heflin- Morning Star; David Larsen- Deviate From Standards