Search - Obie Jessie :: Here's to Life

What a Voice

magicbird | Baltimore, MD | 04/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aside from some of the electronic gimmickry that is apparent on some tracks, Obie Jessie makes a personal statement. His work is clearly that of experience from a traditional jazz/blues performance background. He is confident, personable and knows how to handle this music.The uptempo tunes swing, the ballads are warm and frank, and his lyrics fit him like an expensive suit.His vocal range appears to be somewhere between a 2nd tenor and an earthmoving baritone. As in "See the Dolphin Dance" he may open a tune in a lower register and close out in a voice an octave higher. As he briskly maneuvers within his accompanyment, he manages to shift from low to higher registers like a Caddy shifting into a passing gear. One may wince at some of his risk taking, but he knows what he's doing; and risks keep the work true to its spontaneously inventive nature.My favorite selections here are Trane Home, Inside, Bues Straight Ahead, A Better Day and Dolphin Dance. Some purists may take points for the backing vocals and the sparse, though evident electonic effects in the mix. For me, the voice is center stage.It is a favorite on my radio program WEAA-FM and all I can do is wonder why I haven't heard more of him sooner. In a world smothered with smooth-jazz, "Here's To Life" is a tourch carrier for
the traditional sound and spirit of jazz."