Willingness
CarlCat, 2026
9/10
The vocalist Paul Kahn and some excellent players come together for these 6 old songs that were reworked in 2025 and emit warmth and sincerity you could dance to.
“Stain On My Sleeve” opens with Shawn Pelton’s skilled drums and Russell Hall’s playful upright bass that suits the reggae tinted mood and Kahn’s smooth pipes, and “Memory Lane” follows with Matt Munisteri’s warm guitar amid Kahn and Catherine Russell’s cozy vocal harmonies that unfold with soulfulness.
The title track lands in the middle and is a cautious moment of beauty and grace, where Kahn’s cozy voice tugs on the heartstrings, while “Pull Another Leaf From The Clover” makes great use of Glenn Patscha’s frisky Hammond C3 and Veronica Dye’s dreamy flute via the breezy climate.
“No One To Cry” exits, and it benefits from Ben Rosenblum’s strategic accordion and both Kahn and Russell singing with a rich and comforting spirit.
Russell’s contributions on vocals, mandolin and keyboards can’t not be mentioned here, as Kahn touches on many genres with fluidity and timelessness thanks to his group of New York’s finest.
Travels well with: Tomas Janzon- Jazz Diary; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You