Movie Songs by George Evans

19 Jul

Written by Lawrence Williams
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Over the years, jazz vocals seem to have been exclusively female territory. However, with the recent (and dubious) success of Rod Stewart’s standard albums, there seem to have been a huge increase of the male jazz vocalist. Peter Cincotti and Michael Buble are two performers most commonly known to the American public. However, Canadian vocalist George Evans has been slowly building a respectable discography of jazz and pop classic discs. His latest is entitled "Movie Songs" and it is exactly that.... tunes from the golden age of the silver screen. The CD opens with a swinging version of "The Way You Look Tonight" from the 1936 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers musical, "Swing Time." His smooth baritone navigates the tricky changes and he adds a spontaneous feel so even though this oft recorded tune seems new and fresh. "Beginners Luck" is another track that he makes swing. Evans confident way with a song and his effortless ability to swing brings to mind the days when male vocalists ruled the airwaves. It's obvious that he processes an honest appreciation for the classics which can make one believe he may have a contemporary of Sinatra, or Dean Martin.... though this vocal tone and phrasing may be closer to the great Mark Murphy. Despite the fun that Evan generates with his up-tempo numbers, his ballads tend to be on the histrionic side and his tight vibrato becomes over-emphasized causing the listener to conjure up the image of an overly slick and insincere lounge singer. This is unfortunate, because it distracts mightily from the overall talent that Evan obviously processes. The one exception to this criticism is his fine version of "The Shadow Of Your Smile." Here Evan seems to let the lyrics speak for themselves thus allowing on honest emotion to come through. Grade: B

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: George Evans
CD Title: Movie Songs
Genre: Jazz Vocals
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: M-Swing Music
Tracks: The Way You Look Tonight {From Swing Time}; Beginners Luck {From Shall We Dance}; Change Partners {From Carefree}; I'm Getting Sentimental Over You {From Keep 'Em Flying} Bassman/Washington; A Lot of Livin' to Do {From Bye Bye Birdie}; Dearly Beloved {From You Were Never Lovelier}; It Was Written in the Stars {From Casbah}; You Won't Forget Me {From Torch Song}; I Will Wait for You {From Les Parapluies de Cherbourg}; I Dream Too Much {From I Dream Too Much}; The Shadow of Your Smile {From the Sandpiper}; Lover {From Love Me Tonight}'
Musicians: George Evans (vocals); John Sadowy (piano); Dave Watts (bass); Jim Doxas (drums); Kevin Dean (trumpet); Chet Doxas (sax); Dave Grott (trombone); Michael Berard (classic and electric guitar); Greg Clayton (electric guitar); Dave Mossing (trumpet); Horn Section arranged by Phil Dwyer.
Label Website: -
Rating: Four Stars