(Baby Chubs Records)

Vocalist Sidney Jacobs brings a contemporary flair to an approach that has a connection to the great vocal improvisers of our time. First Man, his second recorded outing, is an eclectic showcase for his talents as a singer, composer and producer. There’s a compelling freshness to his approach, with a nice mix of original compositions and custom tailored re-workings of classic and modern standards. Joining Jacobs on this effort are Josh Nelson on piano, Michael Jarvey on viola, electric and acoustic pianos, Zephyr Avalon on basses, Efa Etoroma on drums an percussion, Greg Poree on guitars, Josh Johnson on alto sax, Justin Thomas on vibraphone and marimaba, Nolan Shaheed on trumpet, Wendell Kelly on trombone and Francesco Canas on violin. Cathy Segal-Garcia delivers  backing vocals on the production. Jacobs is a modern singer with a fitting style who definitely should be heard.