Jazz Improv Magazine Review
Jazz Improv Magazine
May 2006
by Marshall Zucker
P.O. Box 26770, Elkins Park, PA 19027 USA
Phone: 215-887-8808 . Fax: 215-887-8803 . Website: www.jazzimprov.com
Michael Camacho
JUST FOR YOU--Consolidated Artists Productions. CAP 999. Web: www.jazzbeat.com.
Just For You; I’m Old Fashioned; Blue Room; My Friend; I Should Care; Hey You; Norwegian Wood; How Can We Be Sure; Skylark; Here’s To The Blues; This Is Always; Spanish Harlem.
PERSONNEL: Michael Camacho, vocals; Tim Ragusis, piano; Francois Moutin, bass; Randy Napoleon, guitar; Darryl Pellegrini, Marcello Pelliteri (1), drums; Norman Hedman, percussion; Dan Block, tenor and soprano saxophone.
Singer-composer Michael Camacho’s CD Just For You contains twelve selections, five of them originals (although some of the originals are based on the harmonies of other songs). The cover tunes are given interesting and new renditions that make me appreciate them even more. Mr. Camacho’s voice is in the tenor range, and there is a resemblance to Chet Baker. Camacho though demonstrates greater strength, control, and ability.
Of the standards, “I’m Old Fashioned” is treated as a bossa nova, and features a charming guitar solo by Randy Napoleon. “I Should Care” has become a standard among jazz players, embodying a beautifully memorable melody. It is at once a statement of vulnerability, as well as perseverance. Thelonious Monk played it, and Bud Powell was said to pull a microphone over and sing it. Camacho gives “Spanish Harlem” a complete make-over, treating it as if it were modal piece. “This Is Always” is often closely associated with King Pleasure and the baritone of Earl Coleman, who was accompanied by Charlie Parker and Erroll Garner. Camacho offers a compelling performance on one of my personal favorites. I enjoy hearing great songs that are less-often played. Camacho has done that here—and a wonderful job at that. The song itself is beautiful, and is sung with great
strength.
I really enjoyed the originals that Camacho explores on this CD. “My Friend” is a song that tells the story of someone who is of great importance to the singer-composer. It is a wonderfully told story, and features Camacho’s best singing on the CD. Camacho does a commanding job in successfully carrying the ballad. Dan Block’s soprano saxophone work is especially noteworthy. It was an emotional performance and I experienced the impact of his expression. “Just For You” is a song of love, and starts the CD off with a burst of energy embodied within a terrific swing groove. “Here’s To The Blues” states it case in the title.
“Hey You” takes its imaginative harmonic structure from “On Green Dolphin Street.” The lyrics tell quite a story, and Camacho’s expressive control is impressive. This track is a vehicle for both his own introspective approach to the song, as well as top performances for the soloists, who swing powerfully.
It is “How Can We Be Sure” that I consider the real high point of the CD. It pays tribute to two Miles Davis performances. The introduction (and closing) quotes are reminiscent of the Davis-Bob Dorough collaboration “Nothing Like You.” The song itself is based on the harmony of one of the most well-known jazz standards, “Four.” (This song, long considered to have been written by Davis has been documented recently as written by Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson). It is a song of great optimism and happiness. Camacho has turned in an enjoyable performance, and the way he makes these songs his own is readily apparent. I look forward to hearing future performances and how he expands upon the exploration of standards and originals as he has done here.
P.O. Box 26770, Elkins Park, PA 19027 USA
Phone: 215-887-8808 .. Fax: 215-887-8803 .. website: www.jazzimprov.com
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION—Reviewed in Jazz Improv’s NY Jazz Guide May 2006
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