What A Way To Go!
Audophile, 2022
8/10
The New York vocalist Ben Cassara showcases songs from the Great American Songbook, which also includes 4 originals from the pianist Ronny Whyte, who is present on a few pieces, too.
“I Just Found Out About Love” opens the listen with Josh Richman’s warm and graceful keys alongside Cassara’s smooth and expressive voice and Harry Allen’s soulful sax, and “Living On Dreams” follows with Boots Maleson’s well timed plucked bass and Tim Horner’s fluid drumming complementing Cassara’s charming singing.
In the middle, the intimate “Fotographia” places Richman’s emotive keys around Cassara’s poetic delivery, while “Throw Me A Word” bops and shakes with Ronny Whyte’s animate piano amid the upbeat rhythm section.
Landing near the end, the rich and harmonic “Wheelers And Dealers” benefits from Allen’s bright sax, Richman’s swift keys and Cassara’s flawless speak-singing, and “I Think I Fell In Love Today” exits with Whyte’s dreamy piano suiting the strong range Cassara explores.
Cassara possesses a very diverse set of pipes that is often conversational, and the esteemed players he brings along help make for a swingin’, heartfelt and bluesy good time that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Dave Bass The Trio- Vol. 3; Mark Ortwein- It Was Time