CD Review: John Samorian - Out On A Limb

CD Review: John Samorian - Out On A Limb

John Samorian Out On A Limb starts with "I ain't what I used to be", a blues that takes you back to those earley years when blues and jazz were almost one and the same. All the songs are originals by Samorian, who also sings and play the piano. Samorian voice tone is similar to modern jazz singers like John Pizzarelli and Harry Connick Jr. The similarities are more evident in songs like "Out on a limb" and "Lonely". The rhythmic guitar on "Lonely" gives the piece a Pizzarelli sound.

Samorian compositions like the excellent bossa "Magic Morning" has an accesible sound, leaning toward a smooth jazz sound. But he also knows how to write swinging songs like "The Alphabet of Alcohol". The music on this one and in "Out on a limb" is similar to the sound of the legendary Nat King Cole Trio.

As a pianist, Samorian likes to ventures in the high registers of the piano, this gives his improvisations a bright, glimmering tone.

This album is a family affair, with Samorian's wife, Kim Shriver adding her beautiful voice to the ballads "Autumn is Here" and "Listen to the Rain", the blues "Wish I Didn't Love You" and the bossa nova influenced "When We Loved". Shriver broadway theatre experience is noticeable on her vocal style and phrasing.
This talented couple can easily make it big either in the theatre or jazz scene.

Tracks: I ain't what I used to be, Magic morning, The alphabet of alcohol, Out on a limb, Autumn is here, I wish I didn't love you, Lonely, When we loved, Singapore, You came to me, Listen to the rain

Musicians: John Samorian - piano, keyboards, vocals. Kim Shriver - vocals, Kevin Lutke - guitar, Dave Edwards - bass, Warren Odze - drums, Jon Werking - strings (2), organ (6)