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John Vance

It could be said that there are two types of jazz singers. Some function as instrumentalists, using the melody and lyrics as mere points of departure before they create abstract improvisations. The other type are those who are storytellers, digging deep into the meaning of the words they sing, paying respect to the composers’ melodies while still making each song their own. John Vance falls into the latter category.

Dreamsville features John’s interpretations of a dozen mostly vintage standards and “If You Go,” a haunting song that he co-wrote with pianist Jeff Colella. “It’s always a challenge when performing songs that have been around a long time, making them contemporary, fresh, and interesting, rather than rehashing someone else’s arrangement.” For this set, Vance is joined by Colella (who contributed the arrangements), bassist Trey Henry and drummer Kendall Kay, with two appearances by guest trumpeter-flugelhornist Stacy Rowles and three by guitarist Larry Koonse, who accompanies Vance perfectly on “My Foolish Heart.”

The melodies on Dreamsville, which include such standards as “I Hadn’t Anyone Till You,” “Invitation,” “Better Than Anything” and “Speak Low,” may be familiar but the interpretations are modern, heartfelt, and full of subtle surprises. Vance’s warm voice, which sometimes recalls that of Mel Torme in its tone, brings out the beauty and deep meanings in the lyrics. “My sentimental favorite on the CD is “Bluesette,” since I used to sing it for my daughter. I remember that Kendall Kay was messing around on the drums before we were going to record “Darn That Dream” and came up with a catchy funk groove. I was going to record a much more traditional version of that song but we liked Kendall’s rhythm so well that we thought it would be fun to use it. That’s why I like working with these guys; they keep on coming up with unexpected ideas.” Another surprise is “Dreamsville,” which proves to be quite effective in 5/4 time. Throughout the CD, Vance gives a great deal of warmth and understanding to the words he sings while swinging lightly.

“Because I have a background as an actor,” explains Vance, “I think of singing as a means of telling a story. When I’m selecting material, I take a hard look at the lyrics and ask myself if the words tell a story I want to convey. If a tune, such as “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” is darker than I would normally choose, I put my actor hat on and get to the meat of what the song is about. I don’t believe in skimming the surface. Singing is very personal to me. I can’t hide as a singer. It’s the real me, not a character I’m playing.”

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201
Album Review

John Vance: Dreamsville

Read "Dreamsville" reviewed by Martin Gladu


In love as in song, heartfelt declarations are better served softly whispered into the ear. Out of the marketing gambit dubiously called “lounge jazz" (a most cringing sobriquet), one can nevertheless denote a relation to the authentic art form: its kinship to the great Tin Pan Alley songbook. In a few simple metaphors and verses, these songs' sentimental lyrics and cajoling melodies ease their way into one's soul with a unique mix of grace, elegance and directness of feeling that ...

134
Album Review

John Vance: Dreamsville

Read "Dreamsville" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Singer John Vance's It's All Right With Me (Erawan, 2003), was an enjoyable debut; a breath of fresh at a time when Peter Cincotti, Michael Bublé and Harry Connick, Jr., were being touted as the next Male Vocal Jazz Star.

Dreamsville initially appears to be more of the same, consisting of songs from the Great American Songbook, jazz standards and one original composition. A change in personnel gives the album more depth, and Vance, again, provides ...

182
Album Review

John Vance: It's All Right With Me

Read "It's All Right With Me" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Another day dawns and another new male vocalist interpreting the Great American Songbook appears... but here's one who does it right. John Vance, with acting credentials from television, commercials and film, wanted to pursue his muse in becoming a jazz singer in 2001 and has co-produced this collection of twelve tracks. He is a resident in the L.A. area and also appears in local clubs there.

This album is a winner on several levels. Mr.Vance has a pleasant ...

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“He has a jazz sensibility that sets him apart from the others.” --All About Jazz

“...Vance reveals his background as an actor and delivers an emotional reading worthy of an Oscar nomination.” --Jazz Review

“Light and comfortable... Vance turns each piece into a gentle caress.” --LA Jazz Scene

“He deserves a wide, appreciative audience.” --Cadence Magazine

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Dreamsville

Erawan Records
2007

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It's All Right With Me

Erawan Records
2004

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