Beat Kaestli: Invitation (2010)

C. MICHAEL BAILEY,

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: September 26, 2010

Track review of "I've Got You Under My Skin"

First, there is the name: Beat Kaestli. How hip is that? A native of Switzerland, Kaestli moved to New York, where he was suitably educated in the craft of jazz at the Manhattan School of Music, and ultimately, the Aaron Copland School of Music.

Kaestli has a voice of uncommon sweetness and delicacy that is, atthe same time, durable and trustworthy. He sings as Chet Baker Chet Baker
1929 - 1988
trumpet would have, had he had a soul inhabiting that desiccated shell of his. Like the best speakers and narrators, Kaestli possesses a unique voice, seasoned with a slight imperfection, an inter-dental lisp that adds depth and sincerity to his singing.

Kaestli's Invitation is an excellent collection of well-worn standards, presented in such a way as to make them fresh and new. Kaestli forfeits the piano for Paul Meyers Paul Meyers

guitar ' nylon string guitar. The arrangements are spare, with plenty of space allowed for Kaestli's impressive instrument. "I've Got You Under My Skin" is unusual for its eight-minute length, long for a vocal track. Meyers' light Latin playing, coupled with Jay Leonhart Jay Leonhart
b.1940
bass 's exacting bass playing (he has no peer in playing bass behind vocalists) gives this Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra
1915 - 1998
vocal staple a dreamy quality, accentuated by Joel Frahm Joel Frahm

sax, tenor 's dry and vibrato-less tenor. It essentially becomes a modern ballad, rendered very dry, hold the vermouth, shaken not stirred.