Brand New Key
Café Pacific, 2025
8/10
The esteemed vocalist Jeffrey Gimble returns with a sophomore album, where standards and originals come together thanks to Josh Nelson, Larry Koonse, Dan Lutz and Dan Schnelle’s contributions.
The frisky “Bye Bye Blackbird” begins with Schnelle’s crisp drums and Nelson’s playful keys that suit Gimble’s smooth pipes, and “Tryin’ Times” follows with Lutz’s warm bass plucking and a calm climate that emits much style.
“The Nearness Of You” occupies the middle spot and showcases graceful keys amid poetic singing via a sincere intimacy, while the title track is a fuller moment that makes great use of Koonse’s lively guitar licks and plenty of grooves thanks to the meticulous rhythm section.
Landing close to the end, “Quietly There” is indeed gentle, where rich songwriting suits the emotive singing, and “The Music’s The Only Thing On My Mind” exits with a cozy and dreamy demeanor that highlights Gimble’s expressive voice.
An effort that embraces the spirit of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Gimble’s timeless jazz vocal ways make every track powerful, melodic and hearfelt.
Travels well with: Steve Knight- For Years Gone; Russ Spiegel- Nitty Gritty