Late Bloomin’ Jazzman
Cafe. Pacific, 2022
8/10
Listen to Late Bloomin’ Jazzman
The always impressive vocalist and songwriter Mark Winkler returns with an album about growing older and the complications that come with it, where an all-star band accompanies him for the occasion.
“It Ain’t Necessarily So” opens the listen with David Benoit’s playful keys, John Clayton’s strategic bass, and, of course, Winkler’s booming vocals on the lively lead off, and “Don’t Be Blue” follows with a frisky pace thanks to Grant Geissman’s fluid guitar and Clayton Cameron’s agile drums that complement Winkler’s storytelling.
Moving towards the middle, “In Another Way” enters balladry, where the intimate singing is met with Benoit’s cautious keys and Christian Euman’s soft drums, while “Bossa Nova Days” flows with much beauty thanks to Bob Sheppard’s elegant flute and Kevin Winard’s cultured percussion.
Deeper yet, “Old Enough” welcomes Jamieson Trotter on piano for the timeless jazz landscape, and “If Gershwin Had Lived” exits the listen with Winkler’s dreamy pipes amid Rich Eames’ poetic piano and Bob Sheppard’s subtle brass.
This is Winkler’s 20th album as leader, and, like all of his work, it’s diverse, fluent and easily accessible, where he pens lyrics to 8 of the 12 tracks and delivers one mature and memorable tune after another.
Travels well with: Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty; Mark Winkler & David Benoit- Old Friends