(Cafe Pacific Records)

Vocalist Jeffrey Gimble is a unique new voice on the jazz scene. What makes Beyond Up High ,Gimble’s debut effort, such a pleasure to listen to is hearing the joy in his approach to the material. He was aided in this regard by noted producer Mark Winkler and outstanding pianist/arranger Tamir Hendleman, who makes anything sound better. The song selection, which features a cross-section of ballads and uptempo numbers and modern and classic jazz standards, really compliments the singer, and vice versa. Offered here are nicely done renditions of tunes by Irving Berlin, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, Chick Corea, Oscar Brown, Jr. and Bill Withers. The tremendous musicianship of Hendleman, drummers Zach Harmon and Dean Koba, bassist Ryan McGillicuddy and saxophonist Bob Sheppard create a rich canvas on which to paint, something Gimble does with vivid color and great flair.