MARCUS GOLDHABER

THE PROMISE OF YOU

Fallen Apple Records

Marcus Goldhaber, vocals; Art Hirahara, piano; Michael O’Brien, acoustic & electric bass; Alvester Garnett, drums; Paul Bollenback, acoustic & electric guitar; Jay Rattman, tenor & soprano saxophones/clarinet; Summer Camargo, trumpet; Keita Ogawa, percussion.

It’s been nearly a decade since vocalist Marcus Goldhaber released an album.  That’s because he was busy with his role as co-founder and Creative Director of Harlem’s Speakeasy Jazz Club called Room 623.  That took all his attention and dedication, busy growing that music space. What started out as an informal gathering evolved to a sold-out space where people came to listen and support music. It also acted as a ‘proving ground’ for Goldhaber’s songwriting and arranging skills.

His album, “The Promise of You” features six original compositions by the singer/songwriter and six familiar Great American Songbook treasures.

“During those years, I was always distracted, as my attention was dominated by the needs of the club,” Goldhaber shared in his press package.

But the time running that club inspired the singer to compose. Marcus opens his new album with “Skylark” refreshed by an unusual arrangement that has a play on tempo and stretching the time. Goldhaber’s tone is smooth and unpretentious. He holds his notes without vibrato, simply singing the songs with attention to the lyrical value of each presentation.  Track #2 is his own original composition titled, “Just One More Song.” It shuffles into my listening room like an old friend. The melody sounds familiar and he has written wonderful lyrics. The soft tone of Goldhaber’s voice is slightly reminiscent of Chet Baker.

He sings, “Just one more song. Just one more dance.  Just one more kiss, just a bit more bliss, and one more chance.”

Clearly, he has mastered the matching of lyrics with the rhythm of his melody. His words make perfect sense, letting the meaning of his story unfold pleasantly and with believability. Marcus Goldhaber is a polished songwriter.

The title tune is another original composition by Marcus. It’s a well-written jazz waltz with poetic lyrics and a solo by Summer Camargo’s tasty trumpet.

“Two at a Time” is another shuffle tune with compelling lyrics about a couple working together to make things work out for the sake of a love journey. The clarinet of Jay Rattman takes the production back to another musical era when Benny Goodman was king.

“Uptown Cabaret” is based in the blues, with Alvester Garnett slapping the groove into place on the drums.  Art Hirahara plays a honkytonk piano and the party is on!  Paul Bollenback puts the “B” in the blues when soloing on his guitar.

Although Marcus Goldhaber has covered some old and familiar standards, for me the stars of this album are his original tunes.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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