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E. J. Decker: Bluer Than Velvet: The Prysock Project
ByBluer Than Velvet should do a service in nudging more listeners to remember or discover Prysock's R&B croon, though Decker's similarly cozy deep baritone lets this affair stand most appealingly on its own. The set consists of classic standards mellowed like a well-aged whiskey, unspooling at the easy pace of a wee-hours lounge set to ease the crowd through last call and last drinks. Most were Prysock staples, though Decker also throws in a couple others he never recordeda lightly jaunty "On the Street Where You Live" making one album's highlightwhich still fit the program like a glove.
As Decker's drawl ekes the life and love out of each syllable, the band lightly swings in style just as tasteful to match. Enticing trombone and baritone sax complement his low register with smooth shades of cabaret and blues; they and the dreamy piano and rhythm section could have stepped straight out of a lush Blue Note session from the 1950s. The themes lean on the wistful sidenote the choice of "What a Difference a Day Made," featuring the song's mature side alongside a couple autumnal titlesyet there's a fair share of smiles too. Whatever the song or the mood, count on Decker to deliver it in a way all his own.
Track Listing
You Had Better Change Your Ways; Autumn in New York; What a Difference a Day Made; Blue Velvet; Why Can't You Behave?; Since I Fell for You; It's Too Late (Baby Too Late); When You Walked In the Room; He Loves and She Loves; When I Fall in Love; On the Street Where You Live; I Could Write a Book; (I Don't Stand) A Ghost of a Chance; September in the Rain.
Personnel
E. J. Decker
vocalsE.J. Decker: vocals; Claire Daly: baritone sax; Chris Bergson: guitar; Les Kurtz: piano; Elizabeth Frascoia: trombone; Saadi Zain: bass; Tom Melito: drums.
Album information
Title: Bluer Than Velvet: The Prysock Project | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Candela Records