Mark has been working with renowned musician and producer Geoff Gascoyne on a set of sophisticated reinterpretations of 20th century standards from writers as diverse as Cole Porter and Randy Newman. Geoff says, “Mark’s unaffected tone, warm sound and restrained emotionalism complement the arrangements beautifully.”
"Sparkles with energy ... beautifully performed. Great songs interpreted with style. Jennett is a singer who understands and immerses himself in the stories the songs are telling." AllAboutJazz.com
"A welcome release from a singer who thankfully sideswipes the deluge of post Sinatra crooners - yet homage to the great swinging vocal tradition is ever present." Ian Shaw
The arrangements encompass energetic swing and soulful balladry while embracing a range of styles from gospel and hip hop to bossa nova and even Motown-inflected pop. Coolly updated show tunes rub shoulders with radically altered 60s pop favourites.
As well as being in great demand as a musician, Geoff Gascoyne is well known for his production and arranging work with Jamie Cullum and others. Most recently he produced Jacqui Dankworth’s acclaimed Live To Love album.
The stellar band includes Rob Barron (piano and keys), Geoff Gascoyne (bass), Sebastiaan de Krom (drums) Martin Shaw (trumpet) and Andy Panayi (saxes and flute).
Anita Wardell says - “Mark Jennett is a unique story teller and, regardless of genre of song, his interpretation is always fresh, new and exciting. Wonderful, compelling listening.”
Track list and credits
- Everybody Says Don't
Stephen Sondheim - Are You There With Another Boy
Burt Bacharach, Hal David - Wives And Lovers
Burt Bacharach, Hal David - Some People
Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim - There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This
Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields - How Long Has This Been Going On
George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin - Just One Of Those Things
Cole Porter - You've Got To Be Carefully Taught
Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein - Hurry It's Lovely Up Here
Burton Lane, Alan Jay Lerner - Oh Look At Me Now
Joe Bushkin, John Devries - Train In The Distance
Paul Simon - Mixed Up Guy/Magic Garden
Jimmy Webb - Simon Smith And The Amazing Dancing Bear
Randy Newman - Slow Boat To China
Frank Loesser
Mark Jennett (vocal)
Rob Barron (piano, rhodes, wurlitzer, organ)
Geoff Gascoyne (acoustic and electric bass, glockenspiel, organ, synth)
Sebastiaan de Krom (drums)
Martin Shaw (trumpet)
Andy Panayi (tenor saxophone, flute)
PRODUCED AND ARRANGED BY GEOFF GASCOYNE
Recorded at Clowns Pocket Studios Bexley by Derek Nash, September 2013
Mixed and mastered at Yellow Room by Geoff Gascoyne
Photography: Charlotte Knee (photos.charlotteknee.com)
Cover design: Howard Lester (howardlesterdesigns.com)