Search - Spencer Day :: Vagabond

Eclectic, soulful, contemporay pop/jazz,

southgate | New York, N.Y. | 09/13/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Following the critical reception of his previous albums, Spencer Day is back with "Vagabond", an eclectic collection of songs of differents styles and: folk, soul, jazz, cabaret and contemporary pop.

"I've drawn from the Great American Songbook quite a bit in the past, but I really wanted to infuse this album with a more contemporary aesthetic, and also draw on some influences from the early '60s, like Burt Bacharach, Roy Orbison and Dusty Springfield. I wanted to create a sound that could stand alone and not be easily put into one category, but at the same time appeal to a broad range of listeners".

And he has succeded.

One key element in Spencer Day's appeal, which has seen him hailed as a new jazz/crossover star to rival Norah Jones, was immediately apparent from the moment he sang on stage, while he was opening for Rufus Wainwright at the Napa Valley Opera House and at the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival.

Day's first album for the major label Concord Jazz is aimed fair and square at the middle-aged female demographic. Those women who still hanker after the singing legends of the Sixties such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Paul Anka.

Not to mention the immediate comparisons with the new generation of jazz crooners such as Michael Buble, Harry Connick,Jr., Peter Concotti and Jamie Cullum.

Besides his look and personality and performance style, it's the way that Day's uncontrived eagerness and evident enjoyment feed into his music that explains his rapid success, combining as they do with a thorough understanding of vintage jazz idioms and the great American songbook.

The album is is full of the kind of music that you were used used to listen to on radio shows, some thirty/fourty years ago or the stuff they played over the tannoys in old-fashioned department stores: big orchestra-backed ballads with lush production values and a smooth crooner up front.

On the disc, there is a small group of string players, a quartet on most occasions, and at times they echo the approach used by the string arrangements in old rock, soul, and even doo-wop records of the past, but it does not sound too retro.

The Utah-born nomadic singer-pianist-songwiter has a fine baritone tone, and the tracks are given an intensity they so rightly deserve.

His piano playing is excellent, the arrangements throughout the show involve different permutations of a strings, horns strong backing line-up, from the intimacy of a quartet to the splash of the full band.

Some of the tracks will sound haunting and soulful.

Spencer Day's original songwriting, in fact, extends his range still further towards the quality end of the pop/jazzy market, as with the beautiful "Joe", its folky lyricism building to a force- fully urgent climax, the country-tinged "Till You Come to Me" and the swinging "I Got a Mind to Tell You".

Without a doubt, Spencer Day can sing.

His warm, seductive voice is addictive and "Vagabond" Tonight is as good as an album of great songs can get.

Pick up "Vagabond" and the music will most definitely be "down in your soul".

So, for all you romantics out there, this one is an absolute must.

Highlights: "Out of My Hands", "Till You Come To Me", "Vagabond" and "Maybe ( Tuesdy Morning)".

Update.

The album debuts at # 11 of the Billboard Top Jazz Albums.

Issue date: September 26, 2009"

Catch him in person, as well, if you can!

Faithful Fan | Bay Area, CA | 09/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful album by a most gifted musician! It's worth listening to any of Spencer Day's songs for the beauty of his voice, alone -- rich, mellow, clear, wide range. His interpretations of songs written by others are heartfelt and lovely. But listen to the quality of the lyrics and arrangements of Spencer's own work (some jointly written with colleagues). His lyrics are clever, poignant, whimsical, profound, and melancholy. His arrangements are unique, beautiful, playful, and haunting. I'd first heard of Spencer from reading a very positive review of him in The San Francisco Chronicle, when he performed here a year ago. I researched him on the internet, and immediately bought his first two albums, enjoying each one. Then I saw Spencer in concert this past July in Napa, where he was debuting this new album prior to its national release -- he is a most delightful and engaging performer. His accompanying musicians included violins, cello, electric guitar, percusion, and bass -- each contributed uniquely to his melodies and arrangements. I loved each of the songs he performed from his new album, plus every other song he played, whether already released or in the pipeline. There was no question about getting his new album. I never tire of listening to Spencer's voice, music, or lyrics. He's currently performing in S.F. again, and this time I'm taking my sister, visiting from out of town. Check out his website -- spencerday.com -- for more information about his artistry and performances. Catch him live, if you can -- he's that much better in person!"

Charismatic, and then some

D. jans | Portland | 11/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just caught his show in Portland after not having seen him for five years, and like a fine wine he was amazing. I was captivated from the moment he opened his mouth. Original songs and a voice like warm butter generously drizzled over a warm stack of pancakes. Don't miss him. He's going to be huge."