Date Nite
Trac, 2020
8/0
An aptly titled album and cover art for a Valentine’s Day release, the country music star Tim Rushlow and jazz and symphony musicians from Nashville bring us 12 interpretations of songs surrounding passion, romance and courtship.
“Let’s Fall In Love” starts the album with much energy in the horn friendly and snappy melodies of the jazz fueled fun, and “Unforgettable” follows with a soothing and orchestral spirt in the moving classic that’s been covered countless times, but never quite like this.
Closer to the middle, “Something Stupid”, with Emily West’s pipes, offers sweeping strings and elegant melodies that are immediately memorable, while “You And I’ trims the volume down for an ultra romantic ballad with plenty of emotion. “The Way You Look Tonight”, one of the album’s best selections, then brings both sophistication and playfulness in spades on the busy and lush display of beauty.
Towards the end, “For Once In My Life” moves with a fluid pace that you can’t help but dance to, and “The Best Of Me” soars with majestic beauty as Rushlow’s sturdy vocals shine. “God Blessed Texas” exits the listen with finger snapping and a big band approach on the full and anthemic finisher that’s entirely fun.
Rushlow is no stranger to timeless music, and was actually the frontman of the ‘90s stars Little Texas, while maintaining a strong solo career since. An ideal date night record, or for anyone who appreciates the Big Band orchestral ideas with themes around love, this is a glorious and inspiring effort.
Travels well with: Ryan Shupe- We Rode On; Jon Mclaughlin- Promising Promises