Album Review: Legacy from Hollywood Paul Litteral

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Album:  Legacy
Artist:  Hollywood Paul Litteral
Label:  Outrageous8 Records
Website:  www.angelamaeoneill.com

From playful swing and upbeat jazz to reflective torchlight and solemn blues, bandleader and trumpet player "Hollywood" Paul Litteral, who obtained his nickname for his work in Los Angeles, portrays a diverse set of moods on his latest offering Legacy, released by Outrageous8 Records.  His assortment of jazz and pop classics are personalized, attributing his melodic sensibilities to these standards and revitalizing their special spark with audiences.

The recording is packed with instrumentals sprinkled by vocal-led numbers like "Makin’ Whoopie," composed by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson.  The track features Anna Orbison on vocals, whose sensual phrasing and suave resonance puts an uplifting glaze over the strutting beats of Bill Bodine's bass and Michael Rosen's drums. Transcribed by Litteral's alto saxophonist Michael Mull, a bevy of horns sashay smoothly across the rhythmic, burlesque-like thrumming, including Litteral's trumpet, Craig Kupka's trombone, Mull's alto sax, Colin Kupka's tenor sax, and Sam Morgan on baritone sax.

The somber tone of Litteral's trumpet in "I Can't Make You Love Me," a lamenting ballad penned by Mike Reid and Allan Shamblin, emotes a heart-warming sentiment as Angela Mae O'Neill's caressing vocals etch soulful inflections, molding to the lissome swerves and swells along the melodic progressions.  The interpretation revitalizes this timeless treasure.

The torchlight ambience of "Desperado," an original piece by Glenn Frye and Don Henley, showcases the hymn-like sonorous of Rocky Davis's keyboards, silhouette by the celestial flutter produced by Kevan Torfeh's cello and Marcy Vaj's violin, arranged by Steve Weisberg.  The unique reworking of this pop classic highlights the tenderness expressed in the melody without use of the lyrics found in its original form.  Litteral's rendition is penetrative, honoring the melody's potency to touch the human heart.

Another potent track is "Shiver Me Timbers," a spiritual written by Tom Waits.  Beth Andersen's vocals inspire introspection, leading the listener to be thoughtful and wistful.  The delicacy and sensitivity portrayed in Anderson's vocals  permeate a human touch.

Other facets of the recording are the swinging, rhythmic shuffle of "For Once in My Life" and "There Will Never Be Another You," demonstrating Litteral's penchant for playful interfacing, and the pensive atmosphere of "Lonesome Suzie," bolstered by the smooth bluesy hues of Litteral's trumpet, Colin Kupka's sax, and Craig Kupka's trombone.  Litteral skillfully balances fun and merriment with being thoughtful and reflective.

Legacy is Litteral's debut recording with an assortment of jazz and pop classics, tailored to his refined sensibilities.  He revitalizes these tracks intimate qualities, making them able to resonate even more deeply with audiences.  Currently, he is performing with Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8, and can be found on a number of other artists recordings.

Musicians:
Paul Litteral - Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Rocky Davis - Keys/Bass/Drums
Greg Kupka - Gong
Bill Bodine - Bass
Ken Rosser - Guitar
Tony Pia - Drums
Colin Kupka - Alto and Tenor Saxophones
Craig Kupka - Trombone
Beth Andersen - Vocals
BChill - Hammond Organ
Tony Pia - Drums
Sam Morgan - Bari Saxophone
Marcy Vaj - Violin/Viola
Kevan Torfeh - Cello
Anna Orbison - Vocals
Michael Mull - Alto Sax
Michael Rosen - Drums
Angela Mae O’Neill - Vocals
Beth Andersen/Bchill Bodine - Vocals
Satshoshi Kirisawa - Drums
Lenny Goldsmith - Vocals
Harry Smallenburg - Trombone

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