There were few important new male jazz singers on the scene when
Kevin Mahogany released his stunning CD debut as a leader, accompanied by a first-call rhythm section consisting of pianist
Kenny Barron, bassist
Ray Drummond, and drummer
Lewis Nash, plus tenor saxophonist
Ralph Moore added on selected tracks. Gifted with a rich baritone,
Mahogany begins with a powerful interpretation of "All Blues," followed by a fun scatted exchange with
Nash to introduce a romp through "Confirmation," in which he masters
Eddie Jefferson's vocalese lyrics at a fast tempo without a slip and makes a number of funny detours in the scatted solo that follows. Other highlights include the shimmering "Double Rainbow," the soulful ballad "Our Love Remains," a comical interpretation of "Dat Dere," and a reverent interpretation of
Charles Mingus' "Duke Ellington's Sound of Love."
Mahogany's "Three Little Words" (not the well-known standard with the same title) is a pretty ballad set as a bossa nova. To wrap his outstanding introductory CD, he closes with a gospel-flavored take of
Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home." [
Double Rainbow was also released in a Japanese edition.] ~ Ken Dryden