Like Sheila Jordan, the vocalist is able to take hold of a song and make something uniquely his own, and it would be interesting to hear him a in sparser setting such as a duo with guitar or double bass on a couple of tracks.
Available from Bandcamp
Adam Beaudoin (voice); Paul Janoschka (piano); Giacomo Tagliavia (bass); Jonas Esser (drums)
The debut recording of New York based vocalist Adam Beaudoin is a five track EP that serves as a more than adequate calling card for a new and exciting voice. Like many he draws his influences and repertoire from the Great American Songbook and jazz standards. He also has a taste for less well known Brazilian masterpieces.
Having studied first at Oberlin Conservatory, Beaudoin has recently attained his Masters in Jazz Performance from The City College of New York. He has also caught the ear of Sheila Jordan who has described him as “Wonderfully swinging!”.
So, in my book anyone who comes with Sheila’s recommendation is worth a listen, so what of the music on the EP? The opening title track certainly swings and shows the obvious empathy between the four musicians. If enjoyable enough it does feel rather tentative, and certainly doesn’t prepare us for what is to follow.
‘You Don’t Know What Love Is’ with its introduction from bassist Giacomo is taken at just about the perfect tempo. Beaudoin’s vocal is tender and almost wracked with pain as the lyrics unfold.
There is certainly nothing tentative about this compelling performance for the vocalist, and the bassist again makes his presence felt with a fine solo.
Next up is ‘I’ll Remember April’ with the singer acknowledging his debt to Chet Baker in his delivery of the melody, but it is his scat chorus that grabs the attention in an astonishing improvisation. The rhythm section provides excellent support and pianist Paul Janoschka gets his turn in the spotlight with a lovely solo.
Making another ballad his own, Beaudoin delivers a touching performance on ‘If You Could See Me Now’ and rounds off the set with another swinger in ‘It’s You Or No One’ that features the vocalist in a scat that is impressive in its expression and range.
Once again it appears that Sheila’s judgement is unerringly accurate as Beaudoin is immensely gifted and a talent to watch closely.
Like Sheila Jordan, the vocalist is able to take hold of a song and make something uniquely his own, and it would be interesting to hear him a in sparser setting such as a duo with guitar or double bass on a couple of tracks.
An auspicious debut that bodes well for the future.
