Various Artists - Still Happy

It's evident from the get-go that Danny Bacher was born to perform. His humor, his delivery, his talent, his joie de vivre appear instantly and plentifully on his new album 'Still Happy!' - a rather odd title, considering he's just arrived on the scene and that he's, well, pretty happy already, it seems. Bacher honed his chops in the New York City jazz world, and he brings with him the confidence of someone who's weathered the storm and is now better for it. His performance on the new album is seasoned and all pro, a mix of youthful vigor and finger-popping vet. He bounces from oldies and goodies to classic takes on the Great American Songbook, all the while infusing them with dazzle and style. Produced by Jeff Levenson, the session features top talent, including Allen Farnham on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, Alvester Garnett on drums, Rolando Morales-Matos on percussion, and horn players Charles Caranicas and Harry Allen. Surrounded by quality, Bacher's voice and soprano sax truly rise to the occasion, especially on the predominantly upbeat material, like "Laughing at Life," Bernstein's "Lucky to Be Me," "Hooray for Hollywood" and the title track. Bacher is always at home on the stage and presents his case with elegance and class, not to mention a little laughter.