Trained at Berklee College, CLIFF BEACH is a Washington DC- born indie soul, jazz and gospel singer/songwriter. He debuted in 2013 with the imaginatively titled EP, ‘Who The Funk Is Cliff Beach?’ and his last offering (as far as we know) was another EP, 2022’s ‘Son Of A Beach’!
Cliff’s latest album doesn’t have such clever word play for the title but the music is just as soulful and jazzy – it’s actually a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. You see ‘You Showed Me The Way’ is a collection of Cliff’s unique takes on 12 tunes from the jazz legend’s song book plus one Cliff Beach original.
The album is Mr B ‘s first foray into a full album of jazz standards and it’s clear he has a huge respect for the First Lady Of Song. He says: “I’ve been so inspired by her not only because she was an amazing improviser, but she also delved into different types of music later in her career. She did songs by the Beatles, Ray Charles, Jobim, and others.”
Actually there are no Beatles, Ray Charles or Jobim songs here. Instead you can enjoy a varied menu of upbeat swingers and intimate slowies… all delivered with passion and a refreshing innovation. Amongst the big hitters are that ‘Old Black Magic’ and ‘Alright, OK You Win’ while the ballad ‘Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most’ hits the spot. The only original song in the collection is ‘The Gift Of The Blues’ – a haunting, intimate offering with a lovely arrangement that fits beautifully with mood of the album.
Interestingly, this is the first music on which Cliff doesn’t play keys. He’s delegated the role to Munenori “Moon” Kishi, a young television and film composer originally from Japan. The album’s MD is trombonist Evan Mackey. The punchy horn section is made up of Rubén Salinas, Sam Williams, Luis Cárdena-Casillas, Leah ConcialdI and Joe Ferruzzo. The drummer’s SatoshI Kirisawa and the guitar’s down to Andy Moresi. Between them they deliver fresh perspectives on the familiar. In some ways it reminds me of those great albums on which dear Billy Stewart “taught old standards new tricks”. The sound here is quite different to Billy’s , but I think you get the picture.
YOU SHOWED ME THE WAY will be released on March 15, 2024 and will be available on all streaming platforms. Learn more @ Cliffbeachmusic.bandcamp.com/album/you-showed-me-the-way
