Versatile keyboard player Mike Di Lorenzo is based in New York and has built a considerable career as a sought after sideman. His debut solo release came in 2005 with the critically acclaimed ‘Urbanized’ and now he is making a return with the excellent ‘Bring It Back’. A CD that can aptly be described as being both retro and funky it’s a nice mix of covers and original compositions with the added bonus of four vocal tracks that feature the silky soul tones of Atlantic recording artist Norman Durham.
In fact Durham makes an early mark with his contribution to Di Lorenzo’s interesting take on the Crusaders classic ‘Keep That Same Old Feeling’ and within this jazzily soulful amalgam a real surprise is the inclusion of ‘One For My Baby’. It dates all the way back to 1943 and was later popularized by none other than Frank Sinatra but here, with Durham again outstanding on vocals, the outcome is top notch.
The combination of Durham’s cool vocals and fine keys from Di Lorenzo provides Skip Scarborough’s ‘Cant Hide Love’ with a contemporary twist and much the same can be said of a handsome version of the Spinners ‘It’s A Shame’. Elsewhere ‘Get Loose’ has a funky underbelly coupled with a jazzy exterior which owes much to tenor sax from Frank Elmo and although ‘Sweetness’ retains the fusion theme of the whole CD, presents it in an understated sort of a way.
Of course as well as scorching temperatures and shimmering beaches the island of Ibiza is well known for its vibrant club scene. ‘Club Ibiza’ with jazzy trumpet from Vinnie Cutro captures all this and then some while another number that fits perfectly with this dance orientated vibe is the fabulous ‘That’s What I Do’.
Elsewhere, melodic in parts and hard driving in others, ‘Let’s Get Busy’ is one of eight Di Lorenzo originals and more great trumpet from Cutro heralds in the message laden ‘Say Word’. Cutro is again to the fore with the complex, yet streetwise, ‘Mo Z’, whilst the ultra funky cut title cut proves to be a great showcase for Di Lorenzo’s talent as a composer, producer and performer. In every respect it is in the good company of the joyously rhythmic ‘It’s Tough In Here’ which, in addition to serving as a metaphor for the entire collection, is a tune that sublimely defines the music of Mike Di Lorenzo.
Out now, ‘Bring It Back’ should prove popular with those who like their contemporary jazz to be not too smooth.
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