Monologue in Bloomington, MN

A quick sophomore release following the previous year's
Baker Sings Chet
,
Monologue
is another chance for
jazz
singer
Jeff Baker
to come out of his Idahoan hiding place. The songs vary a good deal more than the
Chet Baker
repertoire of his debut, and provide a larger palette for him to work with. As such, there's a greater spectrum of sound as a result.
Baker
holds on to a melancholy tune quite well, opening the album with a couple of such numbers. Other pieces demand a slightly faster, more jumping approach.
doesn't disappoint, but his seemingly
Hartman
-inspired delivery tends to lag behind the tune a bit. He's got a careful approach to the vocals of a given song, which works to present the slow
standards
as nurtured, crafted works. At the same time however, those with a quicker pulse seem to get away from him a bit.
's voice is the star of the show, despite good shows from the backing band as a whole, with special note going to pianist
Bill Anschell
and
Brent Jensen
, both of whom take extended solos at leisure. For those curious about
's rising abilities,
may prove a better introductory album. This one will be a nice addition for those who enjoyed the debut. ~ Adam Greenberg