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Paul Jost: Breaking Through

By Peter McLaren
October 15, 2014
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Paul Jost's second outing on Dot Time Records is an eclectic collection of standard repertoire performed in a fresh and exciting manner that leaves no doubt this artist is a creative force that deserves to be added to the list of great male jazz vocalists of all time.

The album opens with a version of "Singing In The Rain" that pays homage to the original while allowing Jost all the room needed to show off his vocal prowess in this up tempo swinger. One of the most touching moments on this track occurs just prior to the closing when Jost gives an "off the cuff" reference to his long time associate and friend the late and great pianist

George Mesterhazy

piano
1954 - 2012

" data-original-title="" title="">George Mesterhazy.

Among the highlights on this album are "The Day's of Wine and Roses" (performed as a duet between flutist

Mark Adler

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Adler and Jost), the haunting version of

Luiz Bonfa

guitar, acoustic
1922 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Luiz Bonfa's classic "Gentle Rain" and the wonderful arrangement of "Waltz New" featuring an unisono introduction between Jost and bassist

Kevin MacConnell

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Kevin MacConnell proving it's not just

Paul Chambers

bass, acoustic
1935 - 1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Chambers that could swing with the bow.

With Breaking Through, Paul Jost has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with and an artist that deserves to be seen on all great festival stages worldwide. This is one of the best jazz albums I've had the pleasure of listening to so far this year. Highly recommended.

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Track Listing

Singing In The Rain; I Got Rhythm; Waltz For Debby; Days Of Wine And Roses; This Nearly Was Mine; Sweet Lorraine; Blues On The Corner; Book Faded Brown; I Don��t Need No Doctor; Waltz New; Gentle Rain; All Of You.

Personnel

Paul Jost

vocals

Paul Jost: Vocal, Keyboards & Guitar; Frank Strauss: Piano; Steve Varner: Bass; Dan Monaghan: Drums; Mark Adler: Flute; Jim Ridl: Piano (Tracks 5 & 12); Tim Lekan: Bass (Tracks 5 & 12); Bob Shomo: Drums (Tracks 5,7 &12); Andy Lalasis: Bass (Track 7); Tony Miceli: Vibes; Kevin MacConnell: Bass (Track 10); Keith Hollis: Drums (Track 11); Phyllis Chapell: Spoken Word.

Album information

Title: Breaking Through | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Dot Time Records

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