Danny Bacher has been developing his skills for some time now as a singer-saxophonist, on the New York City jazz scenes. His confidently expressive vocals swing along with sure-footed ease, and a welcome penchant for lightheartedness on this themed album. Lively exuberance in upbeat mode is balanced with a more meditative approach on the ballads, (“Lucky to Be Me”, “Lazy Afternoon” and Bacher’s wryly humorous original, “In Spite of All This”).
In the fast opening track Bacher leaps in with relish, delivering peppy scatting like a latter day turbo-charged Louis Prima. A relaxed “Laughing at Life” includes some fine solos from soprano and flugelhorn. “Joie de Vivre”, a second Bacher original, is arranged in vintage first generation bop style, complete with scatting à la Dizzy, and fine solos from Harry Allen and Charles Caranicas. “Joy Spring” has additional lyrics by Bacher. “Shakin’ the Blues Away” features an outstanding trumpet solo. “Get Happy”, in a nicely varied repertoire, is a particularly good track all round, with calypso touches inspired perhaps by thoughts of Monty Alexander. “Nuages”, a serenely lyrical soprano solo, is the only non-vocal track, and as such brings this enjoyable and well performed vocal album to a somewhat unexpected close. A mellowing-out of mood, I suppose.
Bacher seems a very promising young talent. His backing trio give excellent support, pianist Allen Farnham contributing to the interesting arrangements. The two horns are similarly first-class. Happy days are here again.
Discography
Getting Some Fun Out of Life; Laughing at Life; In Spite of all This, I’m Still Happy; Shakin’ the Blues Away; Hooray for Hollywood; Lucky to Be Me; Joie De Vivre; This Happy Madness; Joy Spring; Lazy Afternoon; Get Happy; Cloudy/Nuages (65.40)
Bacher (v,ss); Allen Farnham (p); Dean Johnson (b); Alvester Garnett (d); Harry Allen (ts); Charles Caranicas (t,flh); Rolando Morales-Matos (pc) Teaneck Studio, USA 17-18 October 2017 (?).
Whaling City Sound WCS 110
