Day By Day
Ava Maria, 2022
8/10
The singer and actor Dan Olivo is in fine company here, where Kevin Windard’s drums/percussion and Garrett Smith’s trombone, plus many others, help flesh out the pop, blues and tunes straight out of the Great American Songbook on this jazz spirited album.
The title track opens the listen with thumping drums and bright brass, as Olivo’s smooth pipes emit a little rasp but are quite melodic, and “I’m Walkin’” follows with Joe Bagg’s fluent organ prowess adding much rhythm to the frisky blues climate.
Close to the middle, the swift and dynamic “Time After Time” displays Lyman Medeiros’ playful bass alongside Kyle O’Donnell’s soulful sax, while “It’s Only A Paper Moon” bops and shakes with Olivo’s expressive pipes complemented Renee Myara Cibelli’s pretty harmonies in the breezy album highlight.
Arriving near the end, “Come By Me” showcases Ian Robbins’ diverse guitar playing in the bare but impactful landscape that welcomes Jamelle Adisa’s trumpet, and “All The Way” exits the listen in piano balladry, where a romantic appeal of intimate beauty makes a lasting impression.
Olivo knows his way around a rich and swinging tune you won’t soon forget, and his esteemed band make for an eclectic and memorable debut album, which is hopefully the first of many.
Travels well with: Bill Ortiz- Points Of View; Chris Standring- Simple Things