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With all of the changes in the music business in the past decade, we've seen many artists doing their best to adapt to the changing climate when it comes to releasing new music. It's now a really huge deal if an artist is able to sell 250,000 units versus the multiplatinum days of yore. Others are going directly to their fan base to fund projects, essentially pre-selling the releases through online campaigns such as Kickstarter and others. And there are some independent labels such as Spectra Records that are still finding ways to record, distribute and promote great artists like Robbie Dupree. His latest release, ARC OF A ROMANCE, is a great example of quality versus quantity. While it contains only four tracks, each one gracefully produced and performed. Robbie has never sounded better as he delivers deeply heartfelt performances on each of these beautiful cover songs. Dupree has also avoided the Motown/American Songbook path that so many others have already travelled on projects like this by choosing selections from various periods in music.
The first track, "I Only Have Eyes For You", originally recorded by The Flamingos in 1959, features Oli Rockberger on fender rhodes, Jonathan Maron on standup bass, Doug Yowell on brushed drums, Chad DeBrock on guitar, Leslie Smith on backing vocals with gorgeous strings arranged by Rick Chudacoff and Robbie Dupree on harmonica. Art Garfunkel also had a hit covering this song in the mid-seventies but this arrangement takes it thru a new door. Next up is Robbie's smooth take on the Isley's "For The Love Of You" from 1975. Bill Harris's flute floats thru the fantastic arrangement featuring keyboards from Clifford Carter, guitars from David Spinoza, bass from Jonathan Maron, drums from Doug Yowell, congas from Manuel Quintana with Leslie Smith on backing vocals. (The digital version of this release features a bonus track of "For The Love Of You" with Butch Thomas on sax) The next two tracks are simply inspired choices -- "We Let The Stars Go", originally recorded by Prefab Sprout in 1990, featuring Jeff Pevar on guitars, mandolin, bass, keys & percussion with Kyle Esposito's 12 string guitar solo and Donna Lewis on backing vocals. Closing out the ep is Dupree's version of "Coronation Street" that was originally recorded by Marc Jordan from his 1993 "Reckless Valentine" album. This version features Mike Demicco on guitar, Ira Coleman on standup bass with Clifford Carter's piano and great string arrangement.
The amazing thing about this project is the care and attention to detail that was taken in the song selection, production and performances. Even though the compositions are from various decades, they all contain the same feeling of vintage songs from the same period with timeless, classic imagery, and all delivered through the amazing vocal artistry of Robbie Dupree.
If there was ever an ep that left you wanting for more, this has to be at the very top of the list for me. Engineered and co-produced by Julie Last, this is REAL MUSIC -- Incredible performances all around with ageless material... I can't give it a stronger recommendation.
Scott Gross
Inside Musicast.com
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