The Song Is You
MB, 2023
8/10
The jazz vocalist Matt Barber possesses a set of pipes you won’t soon forget, and here with an exceptional cast of players he delivers a 7th album as leader that puts his inimitable spin on 11 standards and an original.
“Oh! Look At Me Now” leads the listen with Marc LeBrun’s graceful piano, David Enos’ warm bass and Joakim Toftgaard’s well timed trombone that complements Barber’s smooth and vivid singing, and the title track follows with Bradley Young’s frisky keys and Brian Ward’s bouncy bass illuminating the expressive singing that emphasizes every note.
In the middle, “I Remember You” features Tony Guerrero’s dreamy flugelhorn and Dori Amarillo’s cozy guitar in calm demeanor, while “Love Like You” welcomes Mack Goldsbury’s animated sax to the soulful, heartfelt album highlight.
Close to the end, the stirring “Moon River” twinkles with emotive piano, Greg Sandler’s restrained drums, and, of course, Barber’s absorbing voice, and the lone original, “Moments In Time”, exits with Daniel Dennis’ drums, Barry Rigby’s bass and Madison Hardy’s back up vocals illuminating Barber’s flawless singing.
Barber’s voice shines in swing moments just as it does in intimate areas, and the excellent band certainly help him showcase some of his favorite songs, and they might just be yours, too, after a listen or two of this memorable jazz outing.
Travels well with: Russ Hewitt- Chasing Horizons; Craig Davis- Tone Paintings