Jeff Hooper Album Recordings
View CD Brochure
A Passing Glance
Jeff Hooper - Musical Arrangements by Steve Waterman
When Jeff met Steve Waterman, a prolific British jazz trumpet player, composer and arranger, the chemistry was clear and a musical partnership set.
Together they have created a stunning jazz presentation, blending perfectly some of the finest jazz players in the UK with a unique vocal talent.
This is an album of variety, energy and style. Steve Waterman's arrangements take the already beautiful melodies to new heights. Mix this with incomparable jazz soloists, and the result is 'A Passing Glance'.
Distributed by Mainstem MSTCD0057
Appearing on “A Passing Glance”
Jeff Hooper : Vocals
Steve Waterman : Trumpet - Flugel Horn
(Musical Director & Arranger)
Derek Lawton : Trumpet
Simon Allen : Tenor Sax
Alan Barnes : Baritone Sax
Alistair White : Trombone
John Horler : Piano Tracks 2-4-6-7-8-10
Gareth Williams : Piano Tracks 1-3-5-9-11
Laurence Cottle : Bass Guitars
Ralph Salmins : Drums
Paul Williams : Percussion
REVIEW
Jeff Hooper has been pleasing British audiences for some time with his Sinatra-styled performances and is probably the best of the new breed of crooners.
Now he has decided to move into the jazz world. Many have tried and very few have succeeded making this leap.
But Jeff Hooper has made a confident and impressive debut with this, his first jazz album.
Obviously he has listened to a lot of good jazz and paid attention and he tackles some very difficult material interspersed with several quality show tunes by Michel Legrand. (You must believe in Spring and The way she makes me feel), and Hal David (Windows of the World and Bluebird).
In this he is hugely helped by his buddy Steve Waterman who MD’s the sessions and provides some very fiery trumpet backup.
The set opens with a vocal version of Brownie was King (Clifford Brown’s Jordu) with lyrics by Hooper, in which the singer phrases along with the band to great effect. Next a Legrand and then a David and then a Watermanarrangement of Stella by Starlight, (a notoriously difficult song) which he takes head on at breakneck speed. Then the rest of the material is refreshingly unfamiliar, and includes Oh, Lori by the Alessi Brothers, and an original Waterman, Waltz for Dawn, for which Hooper provides intelligent lyrics.
All in all this is a remarkably assured debut. His reading of the show tunes is appropriately dramatic and his scat singing is pretty fearless. The standout track, amongst many, is the flamboyant Bluebird, a big performance in every sense.
The ten-piece band is in inspired form, as are the arrangements, and they contribute enormously to the success of the session.
He is a singer with a rich voice, a big range, impeccable phrasing and a natural feel for jazz. The record deserves to be a big seller if it gets the necessary exposure.
John Martin : The Jazz Rag
£7.50
Digital Download
Only.
I Think Of You - The Essential Jeff Hooper
13 Classic Tracks of Romance & Swing
Jeff breathes new life into the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat “King” Cole, Vic Damone, Jack Jones, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr, Matt Monro and Mel Torme with a relaxed, emotive style. In a music world dominated by cyber-pop and short-lived wonders, Jeff’s enduring quality is a breathtaking voice and sheer magnetism that has survived the changing trends. This isn’t only because the songs he sings are time-honoured masters in their own right, its down to his unique voice, chestnut warm and chocolate rich, classic, certain and reassuring.
Track Listing
1 The most beautiful girl in the world - with The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
2. I Think of You
3. You’ll Never Find
4. This Masquerade
5. Tonight
6. Maria / Affair to Remember
7. Hey Girl
8. Matt Monro Medley
a. Portrait of My Love
b. Walk Away
c. On Days Like These
d. From Russia with Love
9. Our Day Will Come
10. With a Song in My Heart
11. The Hungry Years
12. Let There Be Love
13. Jack Jones Medley
a. Wives and Lovers
b. Lady
c. Call me Irresposible
d. If
Only available as a Digital Download.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to purchase a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of "T Think Of You" - please email us and we will send you a payment request. Once payment has been received we will send you an email with a 'Download' link to our 'Dropbox' where you can download the album tracks within 7 days. If you do not receive the link within 24 hours please email us (Don't forget to check your 'Junk mail folder first).