THE ALBUM:
Essential Ingredients is the second collaboration with Alan McPike and includes some of the great Jazz standards. The vocal style on this album was influenced by such greats as Tony Bennett, Johnny Hartman, Frank D'Rone, Frank Sinatra and others of this genre. If you enjoy this style of music I hope you will enjoy this album.
THE SONGS:
While the songs have been recorded many times, Alan's fresh arrangements and excellent solos make them very listenable and timeless. Some of the songs are performed as fairly standard arrangements while others have been given a different twist. Angel Eyes is done in a funky style with an excellent piano solo. Just Friends, That's All, What is this Thing Called Love and Bye Bye Blackbird are in a fast tempo, some with excellent organ background. Falling In Love With Love is done in a medium 3/4 tempo. Stella By Starlight features the trio without drums, played at a faster tempo that is unique.
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