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Out of the Past Music
Texas fingerstyle guitarist Steve Howell has a new album exploring some vintage tunes of past years. His longtime partner, bassist Jason Weinheimer is back with him as is guitarist Dan Sumner, who was on Howell's last recording, "History Rhymes." In contrast to that recording, there is little that might be called down-home blues performed here. Tunes played range from a couple of Duke Ellington tunes, a Percy Mayfield classic, one of Horace Silver's most famous compositions, a Jobim classic, a Dave Frishberg gem, and a Johnny Mercer-Jimmy Van Heusen standard.
There is a charm in these tasteful, understated renditions of the songs here. Howell's genial vocals, clear enunciation of the lyrics, and the uncluttered jazzy guitar leads of Sumner lead to honest, heartfelt performances. Howell is not going to make people forget an Al Hibbler or Herb Jeffries singing Duke Ellington's "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me" and "Nothin' But the Blues," or Leon Thomas' vocal on Horace Silver's "Song For My Father." At the same time, he works well within his approach in crafting appealing performances of these songs. Other notable interpretations include Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone to Love," Jobim's "Dindi," or the opening "Singing' the Blues," which is best known from the Frankie Trumbauer and Bix Beiderbecke recording. There is also a delightful instrumental rendition of "I'll Remember April."
In addition to the actual performances, Howell has provided succinct descriptions of the songs. One might be hard-pressed to call the music here compelling, but overall Howell and friends renditions of these songs possess a definite alluring quality.
I received my review copy from a publicist. Here Steve Howell is heard performing Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo."
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