DEE DEE’S JAZZY DIARY
HOLIDAY CD REVIEWS
Well, it’s that time of year again. Happy Holidays everyone. Despite the challenging
economics, most of us will still venture out to buy presents for the ones we love. In the next few weeks, I’ll give you some CD stocking‐stuffer suggestions. Here’s my first one.
Artist: Rober McCarther
CD Title: That’s Me
Available at www.myspace.com
Robert McCarther, lead vocals; Buddy Budson, piano; Marion Hayden, Bass; Pete Siers, Drums;
Alex Rogowski, Lead Guitar; Donald Walden, Saxophone; Dwight Adams, Trumpet; Guest
Vocal on “Moody’s Mood”, Doreen McCarther.

Robert McCarther, a native of Detroit, Michigan, has been a mainstay of the Motor City
Jazz scene for several decades. He’s a new voice on the national Jazz scene; a voice worthy of both praise and airplay. McCarther’s vocals are satin smooth, but believe me, there is nothing Smooth Jazz about this debut recording. He is not only a strong balladeer, but he handles straightahead Jazz, Swing and Bebop with the same ease and powerful delivery. His rich baritone voice invites us onto his musical rocket ship with a spaceaged arrangement of MaryLou Williams and Milt Orent’s composition “In the Land of Oo Bla Dee”. The horns are both tasty and supportive as McCarther Swings and sings like a reed instrument in his own right. The late, great Donald Walden on saxophone and Dwight Adams on trumpet enrich this arrangement with challenging harmonics and the lyrics are unique! Detroit has always had some of the
greatest Jazz musicians on earth; musicians who have continuously been on the cutting edge of the music. Let’s not forget it was Detroit Jazz musicians and session masters that put the “MO” in Motown Records. These local players on McCarther’s recording uphold that legend! Buddy Budson is credited with unique and toetapping
arrangements. They elevate this recorded effort.
Budson is also the producer of this project and his piano technique and sensitive touch brings out the best in McCarther’s vocals. Budson knows just how to build the music around Roberts shining voice to support his memorable style. “My Foolish heart” is cut as a sexy Latin production, while “Night and Day” Swings hard and uncompromisingly. “When Dee Dee Is Blue” is a beautiful ballad that has a special place in my heart, penned by Morris Broadnax, Marvin Gaye and myself back in the days when I was a contract songwriter for Motown’s publishing company. McCarther puts his heart and soul into every song with gusto and deliberation. “Be My Love” surprises us with a saxophone introduction, joined subtly by McCarther’s distinctive voice. When the trio kicks in, bassist Marion Hayden shifts into high gear. Nobody can walk that bass the way Ms. Hayden can. Pete Siers locks every groove, establishing unwavering tempos and knowing just when to crescendo the arrangements or hush them to a sensitive whisper of brushes. McCartney and Lennon’s “Fool On the Hill” gets a
unique makeover featuring unusual rhythms and challenging horn harmonics. In fact, this whole cd is fresh and wonderful. “That’s Me,” the appropriate title tune, closes out fortyfive minutes of superb jazz. It’s written by Morris Broadnax and the Artist. Recommendation? This is a definite stocking stuffer. Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil 11/17/08

Dee Dee McNeil
December 2008

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