Kevin Fitzsimmons – Show me the Way
(Jazzwurx. JWR011CD. CD Review by Frank Griffith)

Vocalist, Kevin Fitzsimmon’s début CD, Show Me The Way has illuminated this listener’s path with gusto. The album sports a blend of popular fare, with Kevin’s own fetching songs and lyrics. His rich and resonant vocal quality hearkens the post-1950s sounds of Matt Monro and Steve Lawrence with an extra dollop of East London-cum-Essex edgy crust. It all adds up though: his understated delivery makes the less-is-more approach pay back.

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A more than capable, all-star London lineup includes stalwarts like flautist, Gareth Lockrane, trumpeter, Steve Fishwick and saxman, Alex Garnett. Juggling three keyboards, Leon Greening acquits himself admirably with effective turns on Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer. Ahh,…the glorious 60s and 70s. Recording engineer, multi-saxist and co-writer of two of Fitzsimmmon’s songs, Derek Nash, plays no small part in this offering as well.

There is a wide range of repertoire in this songfest including Strayhorn’s “Lush Life” to McCartney’s “Norwegian Wood“, plus the leader’s title song and his engaging opener, “Blues For You“. This nifty 12-bar has a clever set of alternative blues changes penned by Nash.

“Show Me the Way“, indeed. What a gas to be aboard, what a journey to be on.