"These two brilliant artists explore classic songs in a stripped down and intimate way... it impresses both
open minded jazz aficionados and those who like their music classic and simple."
- Jaymz Bee broadcaster, promoter and producer
“A 12-song collection of terrific, but not overdone tunes. Bhaneja has a nice feel for lyrics, and an approach
that is at times reminiscent of Chet Baker, but somewhat more assertive. Whitley provides wonderful
support, and makes the most of his solo opportunities. The program is replete with good tunes that are
mostly familiar, but not ones that are the kind of same old, same old selections that too many vocalists
settle for. “
- Jersey Jazz, Joe Lang
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"These two brilliant artists explore classic songs in a stripped down and intimate way... it impresses both
open minded jazz aficionados and those who like their music classic and simple."
- Jaymz Bee broadcaster, promoter and producer
“A 12-song collection of terrific, but not overdone tunes. Bhaneja has a nice feel for lyrics, and an approach
that is at times reminiscent of Chet Baker, but somewhat more assertive. Whitley provides wonderful
support, and makes the most of his solo opportunities. The program is replete with good tunes that are
mostly familiar, but not ones that are the kind of same old, same old selections that too many vocalists
settle for. “
- Jersey Jazz, Joe Lang
“Blue Standard's selection and delivery of 12 standard and timeless vocal classics is nothing short of
sophisticated, polished and highly entertaining. The emotionally-rich voice of Raoul Bhaneja combined
with the masterful piano licks of Jesse Whitely come across as tender yet effervescent and more than do
justice to these tunes that will be familiar to most jazz vocal aficionados. A stylish and accomplished
collaboration that is solid and finely-calibrated.”
- The Jazz Music Blog
"Between the expressive and authentic emotions coming through Raoul on songs like "When Did You
Leave Heaven," here on this song, and throughout, Jesse is right there on piano beside him, alongside him,
behind him, and even sometimes ahead of him...This album is a great saunter down the sidewalk, a fleeting
kiss, a memory in the city lights aglow, rhythm alight with love and excitement for the music, itself."
- Spokane Public Radio, Zan Agzigian
“BLUE STANDARD/A Good Thing: Top shelf jazz/cabaret male vocal that takes a nice walk down memory
lane adding all it's own special sauce rather than try to recreate what was. Powered by a pair of pros that
wanted to shake it up a touch, vocal fans will get a nice kick out of these proceedings as it's helmed by no
mere manques singing Sinatra into their hair brushes in the mirror. Check it out.” - Midwest Record
“This is the new project for Raoul Bhaneja, entertainer, vocalist, actor, harmonica player & bandleader. He’s
joined by Jesse Whiteley of the famous Whiteley clan and a keyboard wiz formerly with bands like JW-Jones
and the 24th Street Wailers. The duo’s name derives from ‘jazz standard’ and they chose songs from well-
known jazz singers such as Nat King Cole, Chet Baker and Jimmy Scott. The album title comes from a Joe
Williams song, which gets a lovely vocal from Raoul… You’ ll also marvel at the voice/piano reduction - as
has been written in another context, these songs are not so much covered as ‘uncovered’. Jaymz Bee writes
in his liner notes that ‘open minded jazz aficionados should be impressed’. I would add that open minded
blues lovers would enjoy this as well. Categories and labels are handy to organize information but when it
comes to musicians it often does them a great disservice, ignoring the fact that many of them have far
wider interests and abilities. You should check out this album wherever you get your music.” - Maple Blues
Magazine
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