Paul Kahn – Willingness
With a slight reggae touch, this middle-of-the-road vocalist may not be Frank Sinatra, but he has a cool, laid-back approach, warm backing vocals, & a creamy arrangement that makes him stand out. “Stain On My Sleeve” is a bit retro in tradition but sung with expressive confidence. The tune segues into “Memory Lane” has a modest Paul Kahn romantic vocal tone. It’s a good storytelling tune with nostalgic precision, & the wonderful backup voices & tasteful guitar. If nothing else, it’s classy easy listening.
The title song Willingness (Dropped June 19/CarlCat Records/24:03), is a delightful song from the Grammy-nominated album. Kahn is a troubadour with lots of sincerity in his limited range, but he has good intonation, has finely tuned phrasing & when he sings, it’s easy to listen to every well-articulated word.
The 6-song LP was produced by Catherine Russell (bgv/mandolin/keys) with a deft touch, some nostalgic instrumental touches, & recorded with a degree of jubilance in Long Island City, NY. “Pull Another Leaf From the Clover” is back to the reggae blend with an organ & tight beat. He’s just shy of the coolness that seeped from the late Robert Palmer, but Kahn’s consummate style is, nonetheless, a delightful listen. He manages each song with charm.
Paul isn’t trying to sound like anyone. He doesn’t have Bobby Darin’s showbiz panache or Bobby Rydell’s pipes, but he has a smooth voice that isn’t as bombastic as Michael Bublé’s or Josh Groban’s. Instead, he relies on his satiny interpretations. He may be a cross between Johnny Mathis & Perry Como, but his style is well-accomplished; it’s relaxing & alive.
The most upbeat & lively piece is “Carrie Ann,” drenched in a pop arrangement & Bobby Rydell tradition. Kahn pulls this off fairly well & the song itself is performed with vigor in what was essentially pop-perfection of the ‘60s. But an older man singing about a girl with a teenage name is a little quirky. Even Chuck Berry stopped singing “Sweet Little 16” after a certain age. But maybe I’m being too critical.
More apropos is the island-romantic accordion piece “No One To Cry To,” originally by the Sons of the Pioneers in 1946, & countless artists through the years. It’s old-fashioned, but Paul’s is a remarkably enchanting performer. It’s a great slow dance melody. Paul has a good stylistic approach to his repertoire. Cocktail lounge, piano bars, & classy hotel showrooms. He’d do well with Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson & Madeleine Peyroux.
The CD package is a laminated 6-panel fold-out with a 12pp stitched lyric insert.
Highlights – “Stain On My Sleeve,” “Memory Lane,” “Willingness,” & “No One To Cry To.”
Musicians – Matt Munisteri (guitars), Russell Hall (bass), Shawn Pelton (drums/percussion), Layla (bgv), Ben Rosenblum (accordion), Sara Caswell (hardanger fiddle), Glenn Patscha (Hammon C3), & Veronica Dye (flute).
Cover image by Nancy Carbonaro. CD @ Amazon & https://paulkahn.com/