Contemporary jazz crooner Curtis Stigers offers up a mix of originals and cover songs on his latest Real Emotional. He's assembled a list of heavies from the jazz community to help him out here, including Larry Goldings (accordion, vibraphone, Hammond and piano), John Pizzarelli (guitar), John Sneider (trumpet), Matthew Fries (piano), Keith Hall (drums) and Phil Palombi (bass). His choice of covers are interesting, as he gives smoky, acoustic jazz treatment to Bob Dylan's "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight", Paul Simon's "American Tune", the lazy Emmylou Harris hit "I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now" (featuring some great sax lines from the singer), the soothing & melodic "Night Owl" by Dan Zanes, a fun take on the classic "Stardust", as well as Randy Newman's "Real Emotional Girl", where Stigers gets really close to Newman's original vocal feel. His original songs are well done and give off a similar vibe, having that laid back, light jazz feel that folks like Rod Stewart and Harry Connick Jr. have made so popular. Real Emotional is not going to rock your socks off by any means, but if you are in the mood for some smooth & smoky jazz arrangements & vocals, this one might be for you.
Track Listing
1. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
2. I Only Want to Be with You
3. I Don't Wanna Talk About It Now
4. As You Turn to Go
5. San Diego Serenade
6. Woman Just Like You
7. American Tune
8. Night Owl
9. Your Mind Is on Vacation
10. I Need You
11. Stardust
12. Real Emotional Girl