Remembering Mr. Cole ( A Tribute to the Nat King Cole Trio)

Album Review

Although Joe Bourne is a veteran jazz vocalist, he may be a new name to American audiences because he spent a quarter century in the Netherlands before returning home. In his salute to Nat King Cole, Bourne chose an interesting mix of songs while avoiding the seemingly obligatory "Straighten Up and Fly Right" and "Route 66." Bourne has a warm, swinging tone that complements the material, in arrangements by pianist Gary Moran that incorporate portions of Cole's original charts while adding modern touches. Bourne also updates some of the lyrics with modern references without going overboard. Bassist Scott Black and guitarist Ed DeLucia provide a strong rhythmic foundation. But a tribute like this one invites direct comparison to the original artist. Since most of Nat King Cole's recordings of the 16 tracks heard on this CD are readily available, it is difficult to imagine many jazz fans seeking out Joe Bourne's CD of similar interpretations.