Customer Reviews

Vagabond

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(5)
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Following the critical reception of his previous albums, Spencer Day is back with "Vagabond", an eclectic collection of songs of differents styles and: folk, soul, jazz, cabaret and contemporary pop.
"I've drawn from the Great American Songbook quite a bit in the past, but I really wanted to infuse this album with a more contemporary aesthetic, and also draw on some influences from the early '60s, like Burt Bacharach, Roy Orbison and Dusty Springfield. I wanted to create a sound that could stand alone and not be easily put into one category, but at the same time appeal to a broad range of listeners".
And he has succeded.
One key element in Spencer Day's appeal, which has seen him hailed as a new jazz/crossover star to rival Norah Jones, was immediately apparent from the moment he sang on stage, while he was opening for Rufus Wainwright at the Napa Valley Opera House and at the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival.
Day's first album for the major label Concord Jazz is aimed fair and square at the middle-aged female demographic. Those women who still hanker after the singing legends of the Sixties such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Paul Anka.
Not to mention the immediate comparisons with the new generation of jazz crooners such as Michael Buble, Harry Connick,Jr., Peter Concotti and Jamie Cullum.
Besides his look and personality and performance style, it's the way that Day's uncontrived eagerness and evident enjoyment feed into his music that explains his rapid success, combining as they do with a thorough understanding of vintage jazz idioms and the great American songbook.
The album is is full of the kind of music that you were used used to listen to on radio shows, some thirty/fourty years ago or the stuff they played over the tannoys in old-fashioned department stores: big orchestra-backed ballads with lush production values and a smooth crooner up front.
On the disc, there is a small group of string players, a quartet on most occasions, and at times they echo the approach used by the string arrangements in old rock, soul, and even doo-wop records of the past, but it does not sound too retro.
The Utah-born nomadic singer-pianist-songwiter has a fine baritone tone, and the tracks are given an intensity they so rightly deserve.
His piano playing is excellent, the arrangements throughout the show involve different permutations of a strings, horns strong backing line-up, from the intimacy of a quartet to the splash of the full band.
Some of the tracks will sound haunting and soulful.
Spencer Day's original songwriting, in fact, extends his range still further towards the quality end of the pop/jazzy market, as with the beautiful "Joe", its folky lyricism building to a force- fully urgent climax, the country-tinged "Till You Come to Me" and the swinging "I Got a Mind to Tell You".
Without a doubt, Spencer Day can sing.
His warm, seductive voice is addictive and "Vagabond" Tonight is as good as an album of great songs can get.
Pick up "Vagabond" and the music will most definitely be "down in your soul".
So, for all you romantics out there, this one is an absolute must.
Highlights: "Out of My Hands", "Till You Come To Me", "Vagabond" and "Maybe ( Tuesdy Morning)".
Update.
The album debuts at # 11 of the Billboard Top Jazz Albums.
Issue date: September 26, 2009

This is a wonderful album by a most gifted musician! It's worth listening to any of Spencer Day's songs for the beauty of his voice, alone -- rich, mellow, clear, wide range. His interpretations of songs written by others are heartfelt and lovely. But listen to the quality of the lyrics and arrangements of Spencer's own work (some jointly written with colleagues). His lyrics are clever, poignant, whimsical, profound, and melancholy. His arrangements are unique, beautiful, playful, and haunting. I'd first heard of Spencer from reading a very positive review of him in The San Francisco Chronicle, when he performed here a year ago. I researched him on the internet, and immediately bought his first two albums, enjoying each one. Then I saw Spencer in concert this past July in Napa, where he was debuting this new album prior to its national release -- he is a most delightful and engaging performer. His accompanying musicians included violins, cello, electric guitar, percusion, and bass -- each contributed uniquely to his melodies and arrangements. I loved each of the songs he performed from his new album, plus every other song he played, whether already released or in the pipeline. There was no question about getting his new album. I never tire of listening to Spencer's voice, music, or lyrics. He's currently performing in S.F. again, and this time I'm taking my sister, visiting from out of town. Check out his website -- spencerday.com -- for more information about his artistry and performances. Catch him live, if you can -- he's that much better in person!

Just caught his show in Portland after not having seen him for five years, and like a fine wine he was amazing. I was captivated from the moment he opened his mouth. Original songs and a voice like warm butter generously drizzled over a warm stack of pancakes. Don't miss him. He's going to be huge.

In this day of quick sound bites and mp3 singles, it certainly is nice to here that musicians can still put together an entire album that has flow, connection and keeps your interest throughout. "Vagabond" succeeds on many levels, both as an album, the singles alone are truly worthy, and Spencer Day has a smooth and mellow voice that is a joy to listen to. One of my favorite albums from the past year. I look forward to more from this artist!

I became an instant fan of Spencer Day after hearing him perform one song live. For a 26 year old from Utah his musical abilities seem far beyond his years. He was only recently signed to a recording contract and I eagerly await future releases.

I was unaware of Spencer Day, until recently when I was in my local music store and this cd was in the listening station. So I said "why not give it a try". What I immediately realized is there is another male vocalist for me to admire and follow. I felt deprived, like someone had been keeping a huge secret from me. Who is this dude? Spencer's music is calming, refreshing, mature, and melodic. Musically and vocally, he falls somewhere between Harry Connick, Jr. and John Legend. My favorites so far are Weeping Willow, Vagabond, Someday, and Everybody Knows. Actually the entire cd has moments worth checking out. So as I look forward to hearing more from this man, I will look finding his previous releases at a decent price...wish me luck on that one, as you can probably tell it will be a challenge.

i am but one of a small legion of devoted spencer day fans. he's been a delight to watch live for years. the new album is wonderful to listen to and is a piece worthy of all the talent and promise many of us have seen from him over the years. if you don't yet know him, you won't be sorry you bought this, it will be an album nice to come back to over time.

Spencer Day's music has something for everyone. The lyrics touch your heart and mind and the music will stick in your head all day. The intelligence of the arrangements and lyrics combined with an incredible voice makes Spencer Day a rare talent. I can't wait to hear more from him.

Weeping Willow is such a haunting track where the strings linger and Spencers voice resonates.
The intro to Little Soldier is beautiful too.
Spencers music is authentic and original. I highly recommend this cd.

This CD is jam packed with great songs, I love Joe and Vagabond and Little Soldier is just beautiful. It crosses all types of musical boundaries and is just excellent!