Full Circle
Cafe Pacific, 2022
8/10
The vocalist Gary Brumburgh goes back to his roots in musical theater with these charming jazz interpretations of tunes from shows like Cabaret, Company, Fiddler on the Roof and others, and he’s got some serious talent backing him.
“Everybody’s Gotta Be Somewhere” opens the listen with Danny Janklow’s swift sax and Christian Euman’s frisky drumming in the smooth jazz climate, and “Celebration” follows with warm piano from Jamieson Trotter as Brumburgh’s cozy vocals guide the breezy landscape that flirts with the blues.
In the middle, “Happy Talk” showcases playful bass lines from Gabe Davis, where Brumburgh’s expressive pipes help make this the album’s best, while “Sorry-Grateful” moves with a calm, sublime spirit of lush and poetic song craft.
Deeper still, “I’m Glad To See You’ve Got What You Want” matches Brumburgh’s sophisticated singing with equally mature musicianship in the swing demeanor, and “Far From The Home I Love” recruits Ross Garen’s well timed harmonica for the dreamy finish.
Brumburgh has spent much time in theater over the years, and some of these songs are even from shows in which he performed. Together with the all star cast present, he puts an updated twist on these classics, essentially making them even more enjoyable.
Travels well with: The Matt Gordy Jazz Tonite Sextet- Be With Me; The Dave Wilson Quartet- Stretching Supreme