This recording by the London-based crooner Kevin Fitzsimmons could hardly be called unusual, but in one respect it actually is. It has a ‘room’ studio sound that’s due to it being recorded live straight to analogue tape. Fitzsimmons sings standards and originals and a few new standards, one being a version of The Beatles’ ‘Norwegian Wood’ that’s reminiscent of Kurt Elling’s in that Fitzsimmons isn’t afraid to nonchalantly wander off the melody line while still capturing the song’s essence. He even manages to make Paul Weller’s ‘Changing Man’ swing. His originals are on the more derivative, quaint side of things but Fitzsimmons’ supple, naturally versatile vocal and the warmth of his voice (aided by the recording’s live analogue set up) helps to steer the session away from the schmaltzy showbiz side of popular jazz vocals. The list of personnel above attests to the cream of the UK’s straight-ahead jazz musicians and they sound solid and groove aplenty. Lovers of the jazz vocal mainstream have another star to follow.