Joe Bourne - Upbeat and Sweet: Jazz Infused Classic Rock & Pop Songs (2017)

This collection of hit songs from the middle of the 20th Century is sure to tickle the nostalgic fancy of baby boomers. However, the jazz-infused arrangements and virtuosic instrumental solos will appeal to jazz and popular song fans of all ages. Even as more jazz musicians are stretching the meaning of The Great American Songbook, to take hit ballads by one-name rockers like Sting, and Clapton and iconic bands like The Beatles, The Eagles and Steppenwolf and make them your own in a contemporary jazz context is not an easy feat. But Bourne accomplishes it with swinging, rocking and sometimes sambaing arrangements by bassist and producer Mike Levy

Bourne’s rock-solid delivery—no auto tuning here—harkens back to some of the great singers of the last century including Lou Rawls and Al Green, and Nat “King” Cole whom he celebrates on another recording. But he’s not channeling any other singer and or copying the original. What you hear on these 12 hit tunes, from the unlikely Captain and Tennille’s Muskrat Love, with a little muskrat scat, to the inevitable Jazzman closer by Carol King, is pure Joe Bourne supported by some of the best musicians in the West.

TRACKLIST
01. Magic Carpet Ride (feat. Louis Nash)
02. With a Little Help from My Friends (feat. Louis Nash)
03. When I Need You (feat. Louis Nash)
04. Muskrat Love (feat. Louis Nash)
05. You've Made Me so Very Happy (feat. Louis Nash)
06. Heartache Tonight (feat. Louis Nash)
07. Jazzman (feat. Louis Nash)
08. If You Love Somebody Set the Free (feat. Louis Nash)
09. You've Got a Friend (feat. Louis Nash)
10. Don't Stop (feat. Louis Nash)
11. Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Louis Nash)
12. Wonderful Tonight (feat. Louis Nash)