Mon David & Josh Nelson DNA

Mon David & Josh Nelson
DNA
Dash Hoffman Records

Filipino-American vocalist Mon David teams up with pianist Josh Nelson on an album on American songbook classics and lesser-known songs. He started playing drums and guitar at 15, and he was singing pop tunes and musical theater songs when a friend gave him a copy of a Mark Murphy album that led him to his current path as a jazz singer. In 2006 David won the London International Jazz Vocal Competition and recorded his first album. He moved to the United States and currently resides in the Los Angeles area. This album of duets is his fourth US release.

Listening to Mon David, one appreciates his timing, phrasing, and vocal dynamics. There are hints of his background singing musical theater songs, and one can imagine him on the stage or at a cabaret. At the same time, he certainly shows off himself as a jazz interpreter of songs of a high order. There is an element of Johnny Hartman in his rendition of "Lush Life," as well as a bit of Kurt Elling with Nelson providing light and sophisticated backing,

There are some gems on this recording, including a lesser-known song, "Did I Ever Really Live." This song was written by Albert Sprague and Allan Sherman for a failed musical. There are several medleys on this CD, including one of "Straight No Chaser" with "Billie's Bounce." The performance displays David's considerable scatting skills, along with some original Filipino lyrics. Nelson's accompaniment and soloing merits praise here. There is also a tribute to Bill Evans, "In Praise of Bill Evans: I Remember Bill/ Very Early/ Waltz For Debby." David's interpretation of "Here's To Life" might rank just below Shirley Horn's timeless rendition. Equally stunning is a version of John Lennon's "Imagine," that starts with David unaccompanied before Nelson adds understated piano and atmospheric electric keyboards.

"DNA" was for this writer a marvelous introduction to Mon David's heartfelt and accomplished singing. The spare, elegant backing lets his considerable vocal talent shine on this exceptional recording.

 I received my review copy from a publicist. while not from this recording, here is Mon David singing "Here's To Life" in 2016.