Sleek new album from Tom Graf brings heat to the holidays

Winter soundtracks can create some of the most intimate relationships between listener and album. Songwriter/composer Tom Graf‘s latest effort, Wish You Were Here, delivers layers of mood and atmosphere that captures both the melancholic yearning and dreamy romanticism of the icy weather season. This is quite a beautiful record; below its pretty surface is a strong sense of emotional depth that can warm the heart on the coldest of evenings.

Night music is the most apt summary of these mood-spinning tracks. “No One Loves You More” is haunted by the romantic longing of vocalist Kimiko Joy, whose honeyed singing provides a lush lullaby. The immaculate production is blissfully easy on the ears as Marc Russo’s scorchingly hot alto sax and Marc van Wageningen’s sleek bass offer the kind of exhilarating smooth jazz that actually touches the skin and not just the intellect.

Graf’s wide vision enables his musicians to breathe creatively and open their talents such as on “Deluxe Waterbed Blues.” As hinted by its title, the song strolls past jazz conventions. Mike Olmos’ soaring trumpet and David K. Mathews’ rolling piano perfectly complement Leah Tysse’s bluesy vocal work. With or without singers, the high quality of Graf’s compositions remain consistent throughout. “Coffee and Donuts II” is a highly engaging instrumental, especially when Deszon Claiborne’s robust drumming and Wageningen’s fiery bass pick up steam.

For rainy-day music, Wish You Were Here certainly brings on the heat.

Website:

http://www.tomgraf.com