Jonathan Poretz
A Lot of Livin' To Do
Pacific Coast Jazz

If Mel Torme' is "The Velvet Fog" than you've at least got to name vocalist Jonathan Poretz "The Velvet Haze", as his smooth-yet-hip sound gives a fair nod to the Bow-tied One. Poretz' treatment of the Great American Songbook goes down nice and easy has he croons through swinging versions of "This Time The Dream's On Me" and "Just One Of Those Things." On a gentle version of "My Time Of Day" he brings great controlled emotion with just the sparse support of Lee Bloom's piano, before cranking th music up a notch and swinging into "I've Never Been In Love Before". Poretz all through this disc displays great range and control, and his selection of Noel Jewkes on tenor works together like jelly with peanut butter. All through the disc, the rhythm secion is tight and in the pocket, keeping the music fresh and snappy. Fans of Torme will rejoice over the heir apparent.


-George W. Harris