Standing Tall is the latest release from Jazz Star Bob Baldwin, and is another winner from this talented musician.
It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.
Standing Tall has a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.
If you're even mildly into Jazz music you'll enjoy this album. Overall Standing Tall is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.
Overall Standing Tall is outstanding from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Jazz fan. Really spectacular from beginning to end.
While this entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 - Too Late, track 10 - She's Single, Ready To Mingle, and track 6 - Where Are You Going?.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8 - Everybody Loves The Sunshine. What a nice track!
Standing Tall Release Notes:
Bob Baldwin originally released Standing Tall on Sep 17, 2002 on the Narada label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Stand Tall 2. Way She Looked, The (At Me) 3. Too Late 4. It's A New Day 5. Neo-Jazz 6. Where Are You Going? (Brazilian Interlude) 7. See You In Miami 8. Everybody Loves The Sunshine / My Life 9. Let's Fly Away 10. She's Single, Ready To Mingle 11. Mr. Sample 12. Too Late - (TRUE instrumental)
Personnel includes: Bob Baldwin (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, keyboard bass, string synthesizer); Roy Ayers (vocals, vibraphone); Cafe (vocals, percussion); Phyllis Domigue, Phil Perry (vocals); Marion Meadows, Kim Waters, Fred Vigdor, Dean James (saxophone); Ray Vega (trumpet, flugelhorn); Joey Sommerville (trumpet); Dennis Johnson (keyboards, keyboard bass, drums); Chieli Minucci (guitar); Lil' John, Buddy Williams (drums); Emedin Rivera (congas); Joel Rosenblatt (guiro); Andy Korn (drum programming); Zoiea (background vocals). Recorded at The Uppa Room, Yonkers, New York.