Customer Reviews

Lost in Dreams

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently saw a show on the UK tour, with tracks from this CD performed live, which brings a whole new dimension to the material contained within. The backing trio are tight knit and have a lot of fun making great music.

For the CD itself, from the first to last tracks - this is a joy to listen to.

As we have come to expect Mr Stigers includes a mix of modern material, standards and some self-penned material.

I always eagerly anticipate the song list for a new Stigers CD - this one does not fail. From material as diverse as John Lennon's "Jealous Guy", Annie Lennox's "Cold" through old standards such as "My Funny Valentine" and "Wee Small Hours of the Morning" to original material such as "Fever" you are led on a musical journey that encompasses every emotion known to mankind - and then some!

Could Buble do better? Check out this CD and see for yourself. I doubt it very much

Like a lot of people, I'm familiar with Curtis Stigers without having heard any of his recent works. This is new -- a singer presenting interesting material in a genuinely personal style. So much for preconceived notions. He's a master of texture, phrasing, and delivery. Like all the good ones, he sells the song. Cool sax, too.

And the musicians are cookin' jazz players. I recently read an interview with the drummer who said words to the effect that playing with Curtis Stigers isn't a "singer's gig" but that the sidemen get to PLAY. They do cook, too, with élan and hip style. Pianist Matthew Fries and drummer Keith Hall (joined by bassist Phil Palombi) perform and record with their own trio, Tri-Fi, and those recordings (on Amazon) are worth checking out, too.

Good songs, top-flight production, great playin' and singin'. What's not to like?

"Lost in Dreams" is my first encounter with Curtis Stigers and I am very impressed. The timbre of his voice, and somewhat his style, combines elements of Ray Charles, David Clayton-Thomas (lead singer of Blood Sweat & Tears), Dr. John, and Jack Sheldon, with touches of Kurt Elling - what a combination - but a winning one. Although one hears these influences in his singing, he has his own unique style and sound. He has a laid back style combined with emotional impact that is also very winning. The accompaniment complements Curtis's vocal styles nicely. I say styles, plural, since there are a variety musical styles on the album from jazz influenced pop to a modern interpretation of New Orleans traditional jazz, with a sprinkling of bluesy-funky-jazz. Another winning combination. The accompaniment is good, but the interactions among the musicians and with the singer never rise to the creative level of give and take improvisation found on more classic vocal jazz recordings. Stiger's ability to combine such a variety of styles into a cohesive, coherent whole over the album may be the most impressive winning combination of all.

Curtis Stigers is phenomenal. His albums are brilliant, and if you can ever see him in person you will absolutely not regret it. His original material is great, and his covers of standards is sublime. His version of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" sends shivers up my whatever. (Did I say I think he should get more than 5 stars?)