Album Review: Falling Feels Like Flying from John Korbel

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Album:  Falling Feels Like Flying
Artist:  John Korbel
Label: Self-Released
Website:  https://johnkorbel.com

Endowed with a voice that raptures with a soulful resonance and sizzles with a bluesy consonance, vocalist John Korbel shows a sense of rhythm reminiscent of Teddy Pendergrass.  Korbel's latest release Falling Feels Like Flying is a collection of original material written by him and arranged by Mark Falchook.

A recurring theme throughout the recording displays a leaning towards igniting a romantic mood in the melodies.  Korbel's cool swagger along "Sweet Burning" is spellbinding, fired up by the softly lit tremors of the saxophone.  The music creates a moonlit setting that is amplified in "First Christmas Loving You," as Korbel's vocal inflections produce a cushiony coating.

Korbel's brand of blue-eyed soul, reflective of Michael McDonald, is intensified through "Wheels Up" joined by a jazzy piano vamp performed by Mark Falchook.  "New York All To Ourselves" kindles a fireside ambience as the saxophone lifts the listener into a blissful ether and the trickling notes of Falchook's keys infuse a silky cascade across the melodic progression.

Korbel's vocals transport the listener into a romantic mood catacomb by an idyllic rocking and cushiony coating.  The compositions blend blues, soul, and smooth jazz into a refined mixture.

Musicians:
John Korbel - lead vocals and guitar
Mark Falchook - keyboards
Steve Luciano - guitars
Ezra Henry - drums
Marco Bojorquez - bass
Alain Bradette - tenor and soprano saxophones
Sam Zambito - trumpet
Derrick Harris - trombone
Chris West - saxophone and woodwinds
Kyle Schroeder - saxophone and flutes
Carmen Harrell & Sam Reckart - background vocals



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