Album Review: Fantasy Vocal Sessions Volume 2 from David K. Mathews

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Album:  Fantasy Vocal Sessions Volume 2
Artist:  David K. Mathews
Label:  Effendi Records 
Website:  www.facebook.com/dave.mathews.16

Fantasy Vocal Sessions Volume 2 is the second installment in a five project series led by keyboardist David K. Mathews. For his forthcoming release, he features a mixture of soul, pop, R&B, and smooth jazz in the tracks.  Accompanied by a dynamic assortment of vocalists and musicians, Mathews demonstrates an instinct for classic soul sensibilities and pleasing harmonic forms.

The feminine softness and silky finesse of vocalist Amikaeyla Gaston reimagines songs like Jimmy Webb's pop tune "Wichita Lineman" and Stevie Wonder's hidden gem "Superwoman," inlaying the tracks with gorgeous nuances.  The elegance in her versing is spellbinding.  Her caressing vocals retouch the Isley Brothers' soulful ballad "For the Love of You," permeating a romantic lure reminiscent of Patti Austin. Moving into the playful character of Rudy Toombs' hummable tune "One Mint Julep," vocalist Steve Miller adds a flirtatious-slant that enhances the delightful mood of the track, revamping this song with a modern smooth jazz lilt.

The smooth smoky blues voicing of Glen Walters also delivers an outstanding performance on Mathews' reworking of Little Anthony and the Imperials' 1964 hit song "Goin' Out of My Head."  The jostling curlecues played by tenor saxophonist Wayne de Silva infuse the track with a dreamy quality. Equally compelling is vocalist Tony Lindsay, who fills Donny Hathaway's persuasive "You Had To Know"  with his expressive vocalese and tweaks Ray Obiedo's "So Sweetly" with a warm bluesy palette.

Fantasy Vocal Sessions Volume 2 is bulwarked with songs that will whisk audiences away into that allusive state of falling in love.  The persuasive pleading edge in the vocalists deliveries commands the listeners attention as the musicians contour their various missives beautifully.

Musicians:
All Keyboards - David K. Mathews
Guitar - Jim Nichols, Ray Obiedo, Bruce Conte
Electric Bass - Dewayne Pate, Marc van Wageningen
Acoustic Bass - Peter Barshay, John Witala
Drums - Billy Johnson, Akira Tana, Brian Collier, Deszon Claiborne, Vince Lateano, Kevin Hayes
Vocals - Tony Lindsay, Lady Bianca, Steve Miller, Amikaeyla, Funky Fred Ross, Glenn Walters, Kenny Washington, Alex Ligertwood

Also Featuring - Carl Lockett (guitar), Chris Cain (guitar), Wayne de Silva (tenor saxophone), Marc Russo (saxophones)

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