I’ll admit that over the course of 2013, I have reviewed a number of albums and both praised and criticized numerous artists. What is unfortunate from my standpoint is that many of those artists who received my blessing or my chastisement were confined to pop, rock (alternative), R&B, rap, and occasionally other genres such as country. As a very cultured, multidimensional music listener and a musician, its often easy to take great, traditional music for granted. It’s not fair, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. 2013 saw some solid traditional pop/jazz/ and easy listening release from some of my personal favorites, Michael Bublé (To Be Loved) and Harry Connick, Jr. (Smokey Mary and Every Man Should Know). That said, there’s always room for another crooner in the mix, particularly in a world where pop has become dominated with gimmicks supposedly supposed to supplant genuine musicianship. Luckily, Rory Partin is the real deal – not just a gimmick. Personally, I’m sorry it too me so long to discover the gem that came through my inbox. 
Rory Partin – remember that name. Why? Several reasons, since you asked! Mr. Partin is patterned after the aforementioned crooners I just mentioned and boy can they croon! So can Partin – he’s a baller – for a traditional pop artist that is! Every time he lets those pipes go to work, it’s like he hit a three-point jumper, sigh. I dunno about you, but I adore a great easy listening, particularly after interpreting a newfound love for double entendre and overwrought sensuality in contemporary music. Partin may not be ‘fresh’ in the innovative or shock value sense, but he’s refreshing because he keeps things cool in a traditional sense. Just take a listen to “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in which he duets like a ‘G’ with wife Alexa James (‘G’ standing for “gentleman” of course). And what about that big band?
Not convinced merely by “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”? You should hear one of my personal favorite standards of all time, “Georgia On My Mind”. Partin kills it with his distinct, soulful tone. If he only hints at it on “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, Partin separates himself from his colleagues, offering a contrasting timbre and amplifying the soul. The grittiness and his beautiful upper register, coupled with the hard-swinging, popping big band arrangement gives you chills listening. Partin’s not just any ordinary ‘cat’ – he’s a special one! Don’t sleep on Rory… he’s a good ‘un! The album, his second (The Very Thought of You, 2006), arrives in 2014… mark that down!
Filed under: Holiday, Jazz, Music, New Music, Vocal/Easy Listening Tagged: "Georgia on My Mind", Alexa James, Baby It's Cold Outside, crooners, easy listening, new music 2013, new music 2014, Rory Partin, soulful, Traditional Pop, Vocal
