Rating: Four and a half stars
This Melbourne release is a breakthrough in leading edge jazz vocals utilising original material, live effects processing, six top musicians, and the gifted approach of 28 year-old vocalist Tom Barton. A graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts, Barton studied for a Masters in Jazz Voice at New York’s Manhattan School of Music. The results on this debut album introduce the creative possibilities of 21st century male jazz vocals.
One of two non-originals from the ten tracks is Bjork’s hit Hyperballad, taken at a slower tempo than the original, and against a subdued, sonic wash. All of the arrangements are by Barton, and some employ improvised loops of his own voice to great effect. There is some electronic augmentation throughout the collection and it fits perfectly. Barton’s voice is a soothingly smooth tenor, occasionally wordless – there’s some inventive scat on Vessel – but always with profound expression, drawing on historic examples of jazz singers but injecting his own personality and interpretations. In a mostly slower tempo collection, perhaps a couple of faster pieces might have been preferable.
The backing is superb with standout solos from pianist Joseph O’Connor, bassist Philip Rex who co-produced the album, saxophonist Andy Sugg, and guitarist Stephen Magnusson. Spencer the Rover, a traditional song, is an unexpected inclusion, beautifully delivered. There’s a salute to indigenous music in Tjukurpa with sensitive, wordless vocals followed by a fast, vibrant, shouted chorus. Barton is joined by vocalist Georgie Darvidis for angular and then harmonised voices in Pearl Point. This album heralds the arrival of a unique new talent in Australian jazz vocals.
Review by John McBeath
