It's a Good Thing Personnel:Jamie Davis: vocals; Scotty Barnhardt, Chuck Findley, Gregg Adams, Robert Schaer, Michael Stever: trumpets; David Kiem, Paul Young, James Litz, Phillip Larson: trombones; John Kelson, Marshall McDonald, Scott Jepperson, William Frenzel, Keith Bishop, Nancy Newman: saxophones; Roger Glen: vibes, flute; Tony Suggs, Shelly Berg: piano; James Leary III: acoustic bass; Will Matthews: guitar; Butch Miles, Greg Errico: drums; Keith Perazzo: bongos; Tony Menjivar: congas; Greg Errico: claves. Tracks:Isn't She Lovely; Something; I've Got The World On A String; Night And Day; Besame Mucho; My Funny Valentine; Straight No Chaser; My Kinda Love; Another Star; Every Day I Have The Blues; The Very Thought Of You; Alright Okay You Win.

Jamie Davis

Shelly Berg, the conductor of Jamie Davis’ new release It’s a Good Thing, states in his description of this disc, “we got vibe on this recording, not perfection”. This is a perfect statement in regards to this record. It’s a mixture of current Basie members, and LA session players, who bring us a retro-feel of the Basie band ala, 1958, if you will. Jamie Davis captures the genre, singing in a classic vocal style. He’s in possession of a remarkable voice. He can swing, parlay beauty and bring a variety of jazz genre to the table in a world-class manner.

For those who do not know Jamie Davis, he arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1975. Here he continued in his career by forming two groups simultaneously -- 'Jamco' a rhythm and blues band and the 'Jamie Davis Quartet' -- which together allowed him to exploit the wide range of his vocal talent. With another rhythm and blues group, 'Paradise,' he also sang at various places on their tour of the western states. Over the years up to the present, working under independent contract, Jamie has performed scores of 'casuals' appearing with such renowned musicians as Milt Jackson, Eddie Henderson, Dave Lieberman, Melba Moore, Allen Smith, Vernon Alley and Pharoah Saunders.

Because of his steady accomplishments over the years in the San Francisco area jazz scene, Jamie Davis was invited to appear in the prestigious 'Bay Area's Giants of Jazz' photograph, a 1999 event inspired by the acclaimed, historical 'A Great Day in Harlem' photo of 1952.

In January of 2000, The Count Basie Orchestra acquired Jamie's talent.† He now tours and performs with the 19 piece band worldwide from small private venues to grand Jazz Festivals.††(please see-www.jamiedavis.com)†
This disc captures the one thing Basie always tried to communicate to his audience, which is “good times and good feelings”. The program is varied comprising of beautiful balladry, blues, swing Monk, and contemporary pop tunes. The strength of the disc is it will appeal to both musicians and aficionados alike. The performances are strong with great ensemble and wonderful soloists.

Some of my personal highlights include the arrangement of Besame Mucho (I hope someone who tracks the pop charts here’s this!), it’s a magical performance. Shelly Berg plays a terrific solo, and the arrangement is killer. I loved trumpeter’s Scotty Barnhart’s solo on Isn’t She Lovely. He captures a swingin’-groovin’ vibe with the plunger. And you can feel the vibe from the band as the energy was picked up right in the session, as if the performance were “live”.
I like recordings that are recorded “live” in the studio. It has a more genuine effect, and is more true to how musicians really sound.  More kudos’ need to be given to all who played solo’s on this disc, credits were not given on the jacket, but all of players captured the moment.

Davis is an unique singer in this sense, you’ll here the influence’s of Eckstein, Williams and Nat King Cole. But make no mistake about it, he sounds like Jamie Davis. He’s a true stylist who has learned from past masters, and is passing on his “take” to this generation.

If you like the classic recordings of Basie and Williams, I really believe you’ll enjoy this disc as much as I do. When I need my “feel-good” pick-up, I pop this music in. It makes me feel uplifted and happy I have another day to live in this precious life we’ve been given!

For more information about the music of Jamie Davis, please visit: ww.jamiedavis.com