In a New York Minute
Though they receive equal billing, Ian Shaw and Cedar Walton are not equal partners here in the way thatCassandra WilsonandJacky Terrassonwere onRendezvous. There are no instrumentals without Shaw, no Walton originals; the listing seems more a nod to the veteran jazzman's seniority and talent. Other than an extended solo on "Last Night When We Were Young," Walton functions here as an accompanist (along with saxophonist Iain Bellamy and bassist David Williams). That said, Shaw is an interesting vocalist. One easily hears his influences--Mel Torme,Tony Bennett, and in a swinging bass and vocal arrangement of "I Thought About You,"Sarah Vaughan. Shaw's influences, though, are filtered through a gauze of British soul. It is especially evident in blues tunes like "Standing in the Dark" and "No One Ever Tells You," in which Shaw occasionally evokes the youngSteve Winwoodback when the latter sounded frighteningly likeRay Charles. But more often Shaw's vocal timbre evokes the power and passion of fellow WelshmanTom Jones. This is by no means a criticism--Jones has a terrific voice and tons of soul. Shaw, meanwhile, exhibits none of Jones's Vegas mannerisms or dubious choices of material. Still, with all his jazz-singer intentions and credentials,In a New York Minutecontains enough examples of modern R&B; vocal histrionics to make one wonder whether Ian Shaw is a soul singer performing jazz or an interesting new hybrid. Time will tell.--Michael Ross