Jamie Davis returns with “Steppin’ Out”, a twelve-track album that brings together some wonderful jazz standards, blues favorites, and familiar songs, all given a fresh touch through his rich baritone voice and the talents of an excellent group of musicians. The Grammy Award-winning vocalist has spent years performing alongside some respected names in jazz, and that experience comes across naturally on this record. The album shows real appreciation for the music behind every performance, making it an enjoyable listen from beginning to end. The album opens with “Estate”, a lovely Latin-influenced performance that sets the mood nicely. Davis sounds right at home with the relaxed rhythm, giving the song plenty of warmth. “Teach Me Tonight” follows with a delightful duet featuring Carmen Bradford. Their voices complement each other beautifully, and the lively arrangement adds an extra spark to this familiar jazz standard.
One pleasure of “Steppin’ Out” is hearing Davis take on songs from different musical backgrounds. His interpretation of “Pure Imagination” gives the classic a gentle bossa nova touch, while “You’ve Changed” offers a quieter moment where his smooth delivery gets plenty of room to shine. “Bad Luck”, a song associated with Dinah Washington, brings a bluesier side to the album, with Davis delivering it in a soulful and expressive way. Plenty more enjoyable moments follow. “Well, You Needn’t” brings some playful swing, while Sting’s “Fragile” receives a beautiful Latin-inspired arrangement. Horace Silver’s “Señor Blues” adds another change of pace with its lively Afro-Cuban rhythms. “Dat Dere” also deserves attention, pairing an engaging arrangement with Davis’s confident vocal performance.
The album’s final part is particularly enjoyable. “Here’s to Life” benefits from Shelly Berg’s lovely string arrangements, giving the song an intimate and elegant atmosphere. “Sophisticated Lady” closes the record on a fitting note, with Davis paying tribute to one of Duke Ellington’s memorable compositions. Personally, I really enjoy the warmth in Jamie’s voice and the way he approaches these familiar songs. The musicians also deserve plenty of credit, as their playing gives the album a wonderful character and makes every track enjoyable in its own way. With Shelly Berg as musical director and contributions from musicians including Wycliffe Gordon, Scotty Barnhart, Doug Lawrence, Ronnie Foster, and Grant Geissman, this recording has plenty of talent behind it. Their playing, combined with the thoughtful arrangements, makes “Steppin’ Out” a rewarding album for anyone who appreciates good jazz.
If you enjoy jazz vocals, swing, blues, and beautifully performed standards, follow Jamie Davis and keep an eye on his upcoming music and performances. “Steppin’ Out” is available on all major streaming platforms, so take some time to explore the full album and add your favorite tracks to your playlist. It is always worth supporting artists who put so much care into their music, and Jamie Davis has delivered a collection that deserves to be heard and shared.
