Sundae + Mr. Goessl, When You’re Smiling Review
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Absolutely torch or twang? Well, a little of both, Sundae + Mr. Goessl is a duet that specializes in their own brand of jazz, reminiscent of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, but with a vintage 20s zing. Sundae + Mr. Goessl’s fifth studio album When You’re Smiling offers a robust enhanced sound. Varied arrangements include guitar and voice only to tunes that feature stacked harmonies, melodica, snare drum, percussion, glockenspiel and layered guitar work. Their fifth album includes an invigorating fifteen songs line up ranging from 1921 to present. From stunning renditions of classic songs to a few surprises of tunes you rarely hear. When You’re Smiling offers a kaleidoscope of eras, but all performed by a charismatic duo and friends.
Positives:
Sundae + Mr. Goessl have a flair about their arrangements. A mix of old school pop, to classic country, to movie themed tunes and more. The duo takes on each tune and lends their brand of panache and class.
Bottom Line:
What helps any group stand out is their inimitable sound. Sundae + Mr. Goessl have taken a love for a vast era of music and turned it into a righteous listen. There is a bit of nostalgia in the mix for everyone. Not merely a cop of the vintage sound. The duo methodically takes any era of music from Patsy Cline to Gershwin to Nancy Sinatra on down including a trip on the bad boy side of country with a Johnny Cash controversy on “Crescent City Blues” originally written by Gordon Jenkins in 1953. Cash struck a deal with Jenkins to stand down when his tune “Folsom Prison Blues,” in 1955 was proven to be problematic. The two struck a gentlemen’s deal for Jenkins silence. Classic gems with deep history and hipness line the corners of When You’re Smiling. The duo is keen on what their sound is; and their conviction is infectious on each of the fifteen well-chosen tunes. That's the short of it!