Music Review: Bob Mundy – ‘Something Beautiful’

Classy and elegant, Bob Mundy’s debut album Something Beautiful is the quintessential expression of romantic swing. The bluesy shades of his vocals range from the soothing phrasing of “Lovesong” to the upbeat bossa nova-tinged “Voler la Nuit.” Mundy’s command of the French language in the latter gives the track a natural feel, brandishing a fluid and impassioned voicing.

The rise and fall of his vocals along “Ordinary People” moves to its own rhythm, diverging from the light sprinkling of Dan Kaufman’s piano keys showering the track in a delicate mist. The romantic musings of “Isn’t This Better” are cradled securely in Mundy’s vocals as Lage Lund’s guitar chords infuse a glint of serenity in the arrangement. The tango rhythm of “Besame Mucho” is accented by the Latin tone of Dominick Farinacci’s trumpet and the Brazilian tint of Kaufman’s keys, projecting a samba club atmosphere.

The bluesy temperament of “Two for the Road” pervades a dreamy swing vibe which Mundy applies to novelty tunes like “East of the Sun” and “I’ll Be Seeing You,” treating them with reverence for the jazz form. His rendition of “Pure Imagination” has a swanky suppleness which turns reflective and tender in the melody “Something Good/Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful,” synthesizing two songs into one.

An album of songs buried in the world’s collective consciousness, Mundy exhumes melodies that have been long forgotten and others which are eminently familiar. Mundy ensconces himself in the romantic swing medium, putting his own spin on novelty tunes while keeping true to their original formation.

Musicians:

Bob Mundy – vocals, Dan Kaufman – piano, Peter Slavov – bass, Alex Kautz – drums, Lage Lund – guitar, Dominick Farinacci – trumpet

Tracklisting:

“East of the Sun,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “Something Good/Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful,” “Laura,” “Lovesong,” “Voler la Nuit,” “Ordinary People,” “Isn’t This Better,” “Besame Mucho,” “Two for the Road,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Pure Imagination”

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