The legendary double Grammy-winning singer Jack Jones has enjoyed a long and storied career and now, at the venerable age of 85, adds a new chapter to his extensive discography with a freshly recorded album called Artwork. It’s a jazz-focused project that features the late organ maestro Joey DeFrancesco, who tragically passed away last year aged 51. Alternating between trumpet and saxophone as well as his trademark Hammond B3, DeFrancesco casts a huge shadow across an album that finds Jones’ husky, expressive, lived-in voice framed by elegant widescreen arrangements by the redoubtable conductor John Clayton.
In terms of its material, Artwork offers a wide range of tunes, both classic and contemporary. Jones offers unique renditions of songs associated with Peggy Lee (‘Fever’ and ‘Is That All There Is’) as well as gems taken for The Great American Songbook; Billy Strayhorn’s ‘Lush Life’ and Mack Gordon-Harry Warren’s ‘At Last.’ In a surprisingly soulful twist, Jones also offers his take on Lionel Richie’s ‘Hello’ and Gregory Porter’s ‘If Love Is Overrated.’ Arguably the most outstanding track is Jones’ stunning interpretation of Don McLean’s ‘Empty Chairs,’ which he imbues with a heart-tugging poignancy.
Among the 52 musicians taking part is the veteran Grammy-winning saxophone titan Tom Scott, fellow saxophonist, the prolific Bob Sheppard – whose myriad credits range from Michael Buble to Joni Mitchell – and the noted jazz drummer Jeff Clayton.
The album’s cover features a portrait of Jones painted by the late Tony Bennett, who was the ‘Wives & Lovers’ singer’s friend and longtime musical mentor; the photo-packed booklet includes an insightful liner note essay penned by noted US writer Will Friedwald.
Artwork is available to buy and stream now via Cavalry Productions
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