Jeffery Smith, whose career was helped by
Shirley Horn, is a warm and expressive baritone singer who is a little reminiscent of
Johnny Hartman and
Billy Eckstine. On this set (his first major-label recording and second overall), he is assisted by an all-star crew: pianist
Kenny Barron, bassist
Ray Drummond, drummer
Ben Riley and occasionally trumpeter
Terell Stafford and altoist
Justin Robinson.
Smith somehow turns "Eleanor Rigby" into a slow jazz ballad, gives a fresh take to "Lush Life," improvises a bit on "Misty" and puts plenty of spirit into "Dindi." During a period when male jazz vocalists are at a premium,
Smith offers some hope.