Here’s a most interesting, if imperfect, offering. Foley is a singer who covers some timeless standards by fleshed-out crooners. That said, his approach is extremely stripped back, not only in terms of accompaniment (a double bass and drums that’s it) but above all in terms of vocal projection. It’s sparing, unaffected, almost technical. If you’re looking for the new Crosby, you’ll have to pass. That said, in terms of technique, it’s impressive. Especially in the scat escapades, tonally post-bop. Foley explores, overflows, then gets back on track with ease. There’s something of Kurt Elling here, only more deliberate and thought out. The image that springs to mind would be that of a stripped-down, wiry Michael Bublé against a Frank Stella minimalist backdrop. Strange, isn’t it? But certainly not bad.
A surprising album and artistic style, which has the advantage of uniqueness without that of excitement.
