Southern Exposure by Tom Lellis

24 Oct

Written by Glenn Astarita
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Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, Tom Lellis would seemingly enjoy a career-based, upward spiral with the advent of this winning production. He garners compassionate assistance from the likes of pianists Dave Kikoski, Kenny Werner, guitarist Torninho Horta and others. And with these, Brazilian-jazz oriented pieces; Lellis rides the crest of a wave! Sure enough, Lellis is clearly the star here, via his rather hip stylizations, marked by variances in pitch, intonation, and an unhurried but deterministic vocal style.

Many of these works feature female backing vocals, and some rapid-fire soloing by Werner and Kikoski, as the ebb and flow of this outing speaks momentous volumes. In addition, Lellis injects a perky flair into these standards and originals, including a dreamy spin on Milton Nascimento’s minor classic titled "Bridges."

Many of these tunes might elicit notions of a Brazilian surfside festivity, amid upbeat ensemble work and breezy choruses. Lellis is a distinctive jazz crooner, whereas, his near effortless delivery can be deceiving. He masterfully phrases lyricism into emotive flavors, often providing the listener with a taste of paradise. No doubt, when I grow up, I’d like to sing just like Tom Lellis. (Feverishly recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Tom Lellis
CD Title: Southern Exposure
Genre: Latin Jazz / Latin Funk
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Adventure Music
Tracks: Beyond The Sea, Being Cool, From Tom To Tom (for Tom Jobim) (from Key to Key), Luisa, Be My Love, Obi, Cancoes E Momentos, Mixing/Tomba In 7/4, Bridges, Count To Two, Free Bossa, Keeper Of The Flame, Falando De Amor/Tema De Amor
Musicians: Tom Lellis (vocals, keyboards), Toninho Horta (acoustic guitar, vocals), Romero Lubambo (acoustic guitar), Dave Kikoski (acoustic piano), Kenny Werner (acoustic piano), Kip Reed (electric bass), Tony Marino (acoustic and electric bass), Jamey Haddad (drums, percussion), Tommy Campbell (drums), Frank Colon (percussion), Full Voice (Roger Treece, Sandy Anderson, Lincoln Briney), Roseanna Vitro (vocal), Chris McNulty (vocal), Jeremy Steig (flute)
Label Website: http://www.adventure-music.com
Rating: Five Stars