If true grit were the only criterion for judging performance, this album would rank right at the top. Karolides is a remarkably talented singer who has overcome the worst possible obstacle-cancer of the vocal chords-and restyled his singing to accommodate even the rangiest standards. But an artist’s courage does not guarantee enjoyment. Nor does the Satchmo-type personality Karolides projects. Pianist Lou Silvestri and his trio provide gently swinging support, but the songs are robbed of their intrinsic flow; melody is too important, though even nonstop improvisation wouldn’t compensate.
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