Steve Tyrell - A New Standard

A New Standard builds on the popularity of Steve Tyrell's appearances in the Father of the Bride movies. In addition to "The Way You Look Tonight" (from the Father of the Bride soundtrack) and "Give Me the Simple Life" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (from Father of the Bride, Part II), the album features Tyrell singing 14 more standards in a casual, gravel-throated style. A New Standard includes the final recorded performances of trumpet great Harry "Sweets" Edison, who solos on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "I've Got the World on a String." Other notable guests include Clark Terry, Plas Johnson, Joe Sample, and Toots Thielemans. But the real keys to the album's success are the impeccably crafted arrangements of rhythm guitarist Bob Mann and Tyrell's unpretentious, warm-hearted vocal delivery. In contrast to so many neoswing wannabes, Tyrell approaches these timeless tunes with the R&B-bred soul of a gray-haired baby boomer who's just discovered his parents' record collection. In the jazzbo tradition of Louis Armstrong and Jack Sheldon, he doesn't try to blow anyone away with his chops. He just sings the songs with an infectious enthusiasm and easy swing that's impossible to dislike. --Rick Mitchell Amazon.com

mellow, jazzy mood music

This is a great cd. The jazzy, easy listening mood music has at once a warm and a sophisticated style. Great selection of songs. I'm giving it as a Christmas gift to all the friends who've enjoyed it at my house! Chris Lindley November 29, 2008

Great Easy Listening Music

We were in an Italian restaurant and a CD was playing. The restaurant owner told me who the singer was and as soon as I got home I looked him up on Amazan. I love the entire CD. Alot of times you can order a CD and only like a few songs but all the songs on this CD are great. April 14, 2008

another great one

Steve Tyrell has a way of bringing back the good old days of romantic music.
Really enjoy his smooth and easy way of singing. A real pleasure listening to. November 1, 2007

Discover a Mature, Eclectic Pop Star-Sit Back and Relax

I had never seen nor heard of Steve Tyrell until one day I turned the remote to one of those music marquee cable channels way up in the 600's. I saw the countenance of an older, smile face and then I heard this gentleman, Steve Tyrell sing On The Sunny Side of the Street like the crooners of the Big Band era yet with a throaty, raspy voice that was actually positively endearing. As usual considering my modus operandi in these cases, I went to the net to look him up. It seems that Steve is a high profile and fabulously successful music producer and yet he can pack a concert hall as a pop singer. Now he goes into Give Me the Simple Life and I am absolutely floored. This man has style, he is debonair to coin an old hackneyed term, but he is good. A New Standard will keep you listening and yet wondering about this older guy who puts alot of better known players to shame. If you like the Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme or Dick Hamyes soothing and mellow fare, buy Steve Tyrell and be prepared to be presented with sheer excellence and know how.

Jay Adler, Music Critic, Massapequa, New York July 25, 2007

So much more than "ear candy" music--BRAVO, STEVE TYRELL !!!

Steve Tyrell will not disappoint you on his CD entitled A New Standard. I agree with Amazon when they state that he sings with the enthusiasm of an older baby boomer who just discovered his parents' record collection. All throughout this CD, Steve sings remarkably well and his slightly gravely voice exudes energy and masculine warmth.

The CD track set begins with two songs from the movie entitled Father Of The Bride, Part II. "Give Me The Simple Life" signals the beginning of a CD that is soothing and just plain wonderful to enjoy. Bob Mann's arrangement makes great use of the percussion; and the music complements Steve's performance perfectly. "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" has always been a favorite of mine; and Steve treats this ballad with an infectious enthusiasm and a type of boyish playful energy that charms you instantly. Bob Mann plays guitar very well to enhance the beauty of "On The Sunny Side Of The Street," too. Listen closely and you'll also hear Steve improvising some of the lyrics, too--and this works well on this number.

"I Can't Get Started With You" lets Steve sing of how, despite financial and material success, he cannot be truly happy without his one true love. Once again Steve improvises some of the lyrics for a great effect. Awesome!

Steve's interpretation of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" sparkles; and the trumpet solos by Harry "Sweets" Edison and Clark Terry add color to this classic ballad. Joe Sample plays the piano magnificently, too.

"I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby" is another high point for this album; Steve's jazzy rendition infuses this standard with new depth and a type of vigor you just don't hear too often these days. Bob Mann plays great guitar as Bob Magnusson weaves magic on bass; Steve's vocals and the work of the band create a sublime rendition of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby." "Cheek To Cheek" boasts a great arrangement by Alan Pasqua; and Steve performs "The Way You Look Tonight" better than I've ever heard this number done.

Other high points on this CD include "I'll Be Seeing You" written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal; Steve plays with the tempo of the vocals ever so slightly to add an extra touch of class to "I'll Be Seeing You." In addition, "Smile," the last track, features a harmonica solo by "Toots" Thielemans that shines like pure gold. I wish Steve had performed "Smile" at just a slightly slower tempo; but "Smile" reflects good judgment nevertheless.

The liner notes include great black and white photos of Steve and the members of the band; and Steve writes a few words thanking the numerous people who helped make this album a reality. Burt Bacharach personally adds a small tribute to Steve as well.

It is increasingly rare that an artistic male singer of our times is bold enough to tackle the older standards the way Steve does; and the way Steve makes it seem so easy proves that he has a special gift to share with us. I would highly recommend this CD for Steve Tyrell fans; and anyone who enjoys classic pop vocals will love this CD as well.

Enjoy!
June 15, 2007

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