I’m digging iTunes studio recordings from Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Mike Lynche this week. Aaron Kelly and Casey James? Not so much. Check out my reviews, and click on the You Tube links to listen for yourself.
If you like–click on the Audio and Video links to buy from iTunes…
- Aaron Kelly – “Fly Me To The Moon” – Aaron’s problem here is that he just ain’t got that swing. It’s a fairly nice vocal, but it falls flat. Ultimately, not a good song choice for Aaron, who does not have the chops to sing jazz. – Audio – Video – You Tube
- Casey James – “Blue Skies” – I was hoping to like Casey’s studio version, but no. Really, this recording is awful. His vocal sounds forced, and he sings the words like he has no idea what they mean (Sorry, Harry, I think it the lyrics matter when singing standards). This is as uncomfortable to listen to as it was to watch live. It pains me, because I suggested this song for Casey based on the Willie Nelson version. – Audio – Video – You Tube
- Crystal Bowersox – “Summer Wind -Absolutely lovely, beautifully phrased interpretation of one of my favorite Frank Sinatra songs. Her vocal sweetly evokes the lyric’s nostalgia and loss. Crystal hits the big notes at the end with assurance – Audio – Video – You Tube
- Mike Lynche – “The Way You Look Tonight – One of my very favorite Mike Lynche records, this is. Lovely phrasing, jazzy–Mike swings right along with the band. Of the five, I think Mike most successfully captures the spirit of the genre. – Audio – Video – You Tube
- Lee DeWyze – “That’s Life” – Wow. Awesome vocal. His interpretation sounds current–as if the Kings of Leon decided to cover standards–with the proper amount of swagger and soul. Way better than the live version–but, that’s usually the case with Lee. He is going to get signed no matter where he finishes. – Audio – Video – You Tube