Given that they're rather thin on the ground, it's always a delight to discover a new male jazz vocalist. Mentored by the singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and dancer, the late Dawn Hampton, baritone singer John Dokes cut his teeth with the NYC-based George Gee Swing Orchestra (Dokes is himself a former lindy hop champion), recording his debut album John Dokes Sings, George Gee Swings with the band in 2010. Calling to mind greats such as Joe Williams and Nat King Cole, this 10-track follow-up sees Dokes in a small group setting with George Dee MD, trombonist David Gibson, the orchestra's pianist Steve Emerson, plus the impeccable rhythm section of bassist Alex Claffy and drummer Lawrence Leathers. The varied track-list includes the pleasingly heavy vamps of ‘September in the Rain’, the heartfelt title-track with lyrics penned by Dokes, the head-nodding groove of ‘Água de Beber’ and the mightily swinging ‘You Leave Me Breathless’. Dokes' mellow baritone and storytelling gift are heard to especially telling effect on ‘A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry’. Featuring excellent liner notes by Ted Panken, Forever Reasons is an impressive showcase for a most welcome new jazz voice.