Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Anthony Strong: Stepping Out

3

Anthony Strong: Stepping Out

By

Sign in to view read count
Anthony Strong: Stepping Out
Not too many years ago it seemed that the art of the male jazz vocalist was heading in the same direction as black and white televisions and 8-track cartridges. One or two notable voices kept the flame alive, but new, young, vocal talent wasn't emerging. Then it started: a slow process, but new male singers began to appear. In the UK the most obvious example of the new breed is the million-selling Jamie Cullum. Anthony Strong's performance on Stepping Out suggests that there's a contender for Cullum's crown.

Singer, songwriter and pianist Strong already had a wealth of experience before recording Stepping Out, his third release after the self-produced Guaranteed! (2009) and the 5 song EP Delovely (Guaranteed Records, 2011). He's been a session pianist and he's supported stars including B.B. King. He also spent a year playing Jerry Lee Lewis in a West End production of Million Dollar Quartet. Now signed to French label Naïve (Adele's record company), Strong's career is rapidly gaining momentum.

On Stepping Out Strong mixes his own songs (with lyrics by Guy Mathers) and Songbook standards. He keeps things short and swift—14 songs in 48 minutes. A proper album, in other words. It's a smart move for two reasons: nothing gets bogged down in over-extended solos and every single tune is a radio-friendly 4 minutes 16 seconds or less. The standards are almost universally familiar, but Strong gives them enough of a shake-up to keep things fresh. His own songs; "Change My Ways" "Earlybird," "Learning To Unlove You" and "Falling In Love"; are immediately impressive.

In another smart move, Strong has surrounded himself with some of the UK's finest straight-ahead players—musicians who know how to swing, how to lay back and how to back a singer in a sympathetic way. The core rhythm section players—bassists Tom Farmer and Calum Gourlay, drummers Sebastian De Krom and Matt Skelton—are superb throughout.

The up-tempo swingers are the album's most enjoyable numbers. Strong's timing and technique are exceptional, his commitment is clear. He's not a singer who tears at the heartstrings like Kurt Elling or Ian Shaw might do. He's at the more escapist end of the spectrum, his voice maintaining its welcoming, relaxed, vibe whether he's performing a hard-driving song such as "Change My Ways" or a ballad like the excellent "My Foolish Heart." The exception is "Learning To Unlove You," a convincing and passionate solo performance.

The album credits name check the company that made Strong's suit (Without Prejudice, for the fashion-conscious). Such a credit may seem rather superfluous, but it's a sign that everything about his image is being taken seriously and that's no bad thing. Stepping Out is slick, engaging and likeable—if Strong was an English football team he'd be ready for the Premier League.

Track Listing

Too Darn Hot; Change My Ways; Luck Be A Lady; Stepping Out With My Baby; L-O-V-E; Falling In Love; Someone Knows; My Foolish Heart; My Ship; Witchcraft; When I Fall In Love; Overjoyed; Earlybird; Learning To Unlove You.

Personnel

Anthony Strong: vocals, piano; Quentin Collins: trumpet; Alistair White: trombone; Alex Garnett: alto saxophone; Brandon Allen: tenor saxophone; Chris Allard; guitar; Tom Farmer: bass (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12); Sebastian De Krom: percussion, drums (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12); Calum Gourlay: bass (2, 4, 8, 10, 11); Matt Skelton: drums (2, 4, 8, 10, 11); Nigel Hitchcock: tenor saxophone (1, 2, 13); James Morrison: trumpet (3); Daniel Pioro: strings; Palome Deike: strings; Charlotte Bonneton: strings; Glensi Roberts: strings; Jenny Ames: strings; Robert Ames: strings; Magda Pietraszewska: strings; Tristan Horne: strings.

Album information

Title: Stepping Out | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Naive

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.