Would it surprise you to know that Frank Sinatra did not consider himself a crooner nor was he exactly thrilled with the label itself? Jose Garcia fell into the roll of vocalist while seeking a singer for his Spanish guitar duet. Ultimately "if you want something done right do it yourself" came into play as Garcia began developing his vocal chops and now takes a gigantic musical roll of the dice with a live debut recording. Pay the winner! Songs For A Lifetime Live is a joyous celebration of the Great American Songbook not to mention a few well chosen Latin classics. Crooning gone global!
When this release reached my desk there was a cocked eyebrow on my part when the innocuous tag of crooner caught my eye and with an iconic set list it was clear Garcia not to mention his band had to be on point. There is a joyous swing to this release that is bordering on infectious. Garcia and the band work seamlessly and on equal musical footing avoiding all the self indulgent pitfalls most singers would hit immediately.
A great arrangement of the Cole Porter classic "I Get A Kick Out Of You" features pianist Carlos Rodgarman and an incredibly tight rhythm section with the ability to make this tune pop thanks to bassist Mike Paganini and drummer Pable Correa. Garcia's guitar talents are brought center stage with a beautiful and expressive opening to "Besame Mucho." The name of the game is swing and "All of Me" is a tune you hear with your feet! An ironically appropriate closer "This Could Be The Start of Something Big" is syncopated swing kicked up a notch. Garcia's vocals are perhaps best described as a delightful mix of Mel Torme and Tony Bennett but Garcia is far from a good vocalist doing some passable covers. Jose Garcia is an artist with passion and clearly displays the gift of connection with an audience.
Jose Garcia has that cool tone to his vocals, the innate ability to swing and impeccable phrasing. Crooner is still a label that does not seem to adequately fit Garcia as he clearly proves his ability as an incredibly well rounded artist. Songs For A Lifetime Live is a rock solid and highly entertaining release and considering this is a debut then Garcia scores extra bonus points! Some people assume based on the word critic that a review has to revolve around the criticisms found on a release. Look under every rock and check every nook and cranny as you will come up empty!
Songs For A Lifetime Live is a solid winner!
To sample the release please use the cd baby link provided:
Tracks: I Get A Kick Out of You; The Shadow of Your Smile; Night and Day; I Left My Heart In San Francisco; Besame Mucho; I Wish You Love; All of Me; You Go To My Head; Sabor a mi; This Could Be The Start of Something Big.
Personnel: Jose Garcia: vocals & guitar; Carlos Rodgarman: piano; Mike Paganini: bass; Pablo Correa: drums.
