Customer Reviews

Back In Town

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Matt Dusk came out with this great album, Back In Town, in 2006 and I have always enjoyed it. Matt's style is excellent; and the sound quality on this recording shows it all off very well. The artwork is very nicely done, too.

The CD starts with the title track, "Back In Time;" this snazzy number has great key modulations and Matt does this one up right! Matt's voice is great; and his excellent diction enhances his performance even further. Matt is in total control on this upbeat and catchy number and that's grand. "All About Me" slows down the pace but Matt's vocals are still excellent; the keyboard work is terrific and the rest of the music that accompanies Matt fits in perfectly with Mat's vocals. This is anything but elevator music; and it really draws in the listener quite naturally.

"The Best Is Yet To Come" gets a much more traditional arrangement and Matt Dusk delivers this with lots of style and grace. The strings work wonders for this ballad and Matt sings this all without a superfluous note! The overall arrangement is very sophisticated. Similarly, "The Way You Look Tonight" features Matt Dusk squarely in the spotlight--right where he belongs--and that's OK by me! Matt swings brightly to make this a great tune; and the big band arrangement sounds great on "The Way You Look Tonight."

"More" has a fine arrangement; and the slight Latin twist to the music makes this shine even brighter! Matt sings this with all his heart and soul and it makes "More" a major highlight of this CD. Matt Dusk was born to sing songs like these!

"As Time Goes By" was first featured in the movie Casablanca and Dooley Wilson sang it; and when Matt Dusk sings it Dooley would be very proud indeed! Matt plays a bit with the tempo and he adds a few key changes to place his own mark on this timeless ballad; and it comes out very well. "As Time Goes By" is another major highlight of this album. In addition, "Get Me To The Church" is a show tune from My Fair Lady; and Matt's interpretation is very fine and jazzy as well. "Get Me To The Church" has a strong musical arrangement but very wisely they never drown out Matt; his vocals stay front can center.

"On The Street Where You Live" is another show tune from My Fair Lady; and Matt outdoes even himself on this tune. Matt's rendition is THE definitive rendition of this ballad. "On The Street Where You Live" charms me and I won't tire of hearing Matt sing this anytime soon." "Million Kisses" is a song about a love that didn't work out well; and Matt sings this with great sensitivity. The album ends well with Matt Dusk performing ""Where Were You When;" "Where Were You When" shines bright and Matt makes this a solid ending for his album.

Matt Dusk is a very talented man; and he certainly should be getting more recognition that he currently receives. I recommend this CD for fans of classic pop vocals and even show tunes; you won't be disappointed.

I fail to see how anyone could not enjoy this CD. 80 years "young" and recently converted to Matt Dusk I was not disappointed. An avid fan of jazz and good popular music for many years I found myself playing this CD over and over again. The lively "Back in Town"blows me away as does "All about me" As with many music lovers I really enjoy the Michael Buble's Peter Cincotti's etc of this world and have a vast collection of their music - but there's always room for one more! Almost every singer has his or her own style and Matt's interpretation somehow sounds richly different.The standards on this CD are as good as any I've heard. I too especially love the poignant "A million kisses late"and "Where were you when" Good luck Matt you deserve your place up there with the best - long live these talented performers of "My kind of Music"

My words aren't good enough to explain how much I love this album! Every single track is a hit and if you feel sad just listen to Back In Town and everything will turn out to be fine!!! Although Matt's young his voice has a great power and such a big personality. What else can I say? BUY IT, THAT'S IT!!! :-)

For folks who purchase this CD expecting another carbon copy of Michael Buble, they're gonna be disappointed. Matt Dusk has the unfortunate distinction of being compared to his very successful Canadian counterpart. In just a few short years, Michael Buble has carved out a very sizable niche for himself as the "Go To Guy" to revive Sinatra-Bennett Standards. The sales of Buble's last few CD's have increased with each new release.

Matt Dusk is still trying to find his own identity, but this follow-up disc is considerably better than his debut. Some folks here on Amazon can't stand "Back In Town" and I can see (and hear) why. His very nasal sound takes some getting used to. I was on the verge of returning this disc MANY, MANY times, but after about a dozen spins, his voice finally feels acceptable. Another aspect Matt Dusk needs to work on is his enunciation of words. I know he's Canadian, but he pronounces certain words like a New Englander, pronouncing "A" sound with the Bostonian "Ah-r" sound. You know, the old joke "Harvard Yard" pronounced like "Hah-vahd Yahd". It's very irritating (sorry, New Englanders)

The song selection here is SUPERB as are the arrangements. There are the Sinatra standards plus two songs from "My Fair Lady". My fav is Matt's rendition of "On the Street Where You Live". It's the only song which he excels compared to Sinatra's version. The band really carry Matt thru his renditions, adding enough punch and oomph to each song. I feel his versions on the standards have improved since his last CD. I know some folks will beg to differ. This guy is young and learning, and I've a hunch will continue to get better. It's probably unfair to compare him to Michael Buble or Sinatra, but there are bound to be endless comparisons so as long the same songs are sung by these guys.

All in all, I'd give 4 Stars (that is, of course after about a dozen listens). The excellent original composition "A Million Kisses Late" is the only thing resembling a torch song on this CD and Matt acquits himself well. He should incorporate more ballads on his next CD. Hopefully his next release will be even better. The arrangements and the orchestration are Excellent. Sound quality is also great. If you like the song selection, you will at least give it 3 stars, maybe more if you can overlook the problems listed above.

Matt Dusk has a style that reminds me of the Sinatra days but refreshing and new for today's sound. Matt can provide that crooner, jazzy style. I highly recommend his music. LOVE IT !

I agree entirely with the review by "latejazzlover". The old songs are very well done in a manner that is Dusk's own. The new ones are great additions to the genre.

Matt Dusk is a wonderful singer. He has such a charisma about him, both in concert and thru his albums. I've seen him quite a few times in concert and each time he amazes me. Two shots was a really good album but Back in Town is great! The whole cd will have you dancing and/or singing! :)

I bought this Matt Dusk CD after borrowing it from the library. We saw him on a TV show

about Vegas and liked his singing then. Reminds me a lot of Buble', Connick, Sinatra. If

you like big band sounds, you'll really enjoy Matt Dusk too. Hope he comes to town to sing

live in concert.

I really enjoyed this cd. It has an old time jazzy feel, with updated arrangments.

OK I am not a JAZZ fan. I find Micheal Buble too soothing (read sleepy when listening on the car) and Laura Fygi too technical. OK this one balances pop and jazz.. the first 2 tracks are very radio friendly while tracks like Take Me To Church In Time is technically jazz. Buy it if you are not a Jazznocrat this is very Poppy Jazz