Valentine 2015 • Spencer Day • Never My Love

I know Valentine's weekend is coming to a close, but I just couldn't stop. But I do feel as though this might be a good place to stop it. Because Spencer Day is a lot of things, and a finisher might be one of them. For the moment I first heard him singing, I was finished. I was instantly a fan, and will be for as long as he makes music. That first song was "Till You Come to Me", off the album 'Vagabond'. Well, I have purchased a few more since then, and I only get more excited with each one. The latest, 'Daybreak', is a delicious combination of original songs and covers of great records from the 1960s, with just the right amount of Spencer in each one. "Never My Love" was written by American brother Donald and Richard Addrisi, and was best known from as a hit for The Association in 1967. This is the classic song as sung by Spencer Day.

"Never My Love" is featured on Spencer's latest album, 'Daybreak'. You can purchase 'Daybreak' from iTunes, Bandcamp, and Amazon. You can find out more about Spencer with a visit to his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. And I hope you had a great Valentine's Weekend!

Spencer Day • Christmas With You

Okay, so it is confession time. Well, that seems to be a constant state on this blog, for I am always admitting to one thing or another. But back to the topic at hand, I have a total crush on Spencer Day. After all, he is tall, handsome, and so damned talented! So when I read he was going to release a new version of the song "Christmas With You", this time out featuring The Joel Evans Big Band, I was awfully excited. The song, featured on his holiday album 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me', was written by Joel Evans and Cliff Goldmacher, so it is no wonder he rerecorded it with The Joel Evans Big Band.

Every time I listen to it, it just makes me feel merrier. Spencer can have that effect... You can purchase "Christmas With You" from iTunes, Amazon. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can also find Spencer's EP 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me' on iTunes and Amazon.

Spencer Day • I Only Have Eyes For You

Just over a year ago, I was fortunate enough to see the amazing Spencer Day performing live at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA. I really enjoy the space, for it has a wonderfully intimate feel, and I have been able to take some good pictures of performers there through the years. Above, you can see a few of the pictures I took of the handsome crooner, who kept my rapt attention for the entire performance. He not only had a strong set list, he was also game for taking requests from the audience. One of the requests was "I Only Have Eyes For You", a popular love song written in 1934 by composer Harry Warren and lyricist Al Dubin. It debuted in the film 'Dames', starring Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. However, the best known version might have been the 1959 single by The Flamingos, which made it to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. But this is Spencer Day with "I Only Have Eyes For You".

You know, one of my favorite versions of this song might just be this one. While Spencer has yet to record the classic song, I pretty much love almost everything that Spencer sings. That would include his latest album, 'Daybreak'. You can purchase 'Daybreak' from Bandcamp, iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Heard It Last Week • Sam Smith, Aris, Cassidy Haley & Spencer Day

Album covers from (Clockwise): Sam Smith, Aris, Spencer Day, and Cassidy Haley.

I thought it might be nice to revisit some of the new music I posted about last week, in case you missed it. Among the great music I offered up last week, I reviewed three albums by out and proud artists, and a sweet new music video from a British soul singer. That music video was "Leave Your Lover" from Sam Smith, a fantastic song that will be found on his upcoming release, 'In The Lonely Hour'. The song is a beautiful pl;ea to a very special someone. Smith turned many heads with two show-stopping performances on 'Saturday Night Live', and he upped the ante with the new video released last week. People were certainly talking about it! This is a clip of Smith singing the song live for YOU FM. Please enjoy Sam Smith performing an acoustic version of "Leave Your Lover".

'In The Lonely Hour' will be available June 17, 2014. You can pre-order it from iTunes. You can also pre-order the disk from Amazon. For more about Sam Smith, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. I was recently introduced to the music of Aris, a Brooklyn singer/songwriter with a big talent and a sexy growl. I loved his album 'Twilight Revival', and the fantastic song "Twilight". The handsome singer also wrote the song, which was also a fantastic music video. The album also included a wonderful remix, and cut the music video to work. This is Aris with "Twilight (Dancehaus Remix)".

'Twilight Revival' is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. To discover more about Aris, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. I have been a fan of Los Angelos singer/songwriter Cassidy Haley since I first discovered his debut album. Now he has come out with his sophomore effort, 'The Lovers'. It is another exceptional release, and keeps me wanting to hear whatever might be coming from Haley next. I hope there might be a music video or two to come, but until then, I will be enjoying the audio experience. Today I offer you the final cut from the album, a favorite of mine. This is Cassidy Haley with "Bones Gone Grey".

You can purchase 'The Lovers' via iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Cassidy Haley, check out his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. I've made no secret of the huge musical crush I have on Spencer Day, with his rich voice and smooth style just bowling me over every time I listen. His latest album, 'Daybreak', has hit the iStreets, and I just gobbled it up like it was Halloween candy. With a combination of original material and great cover songs, the album a delicious aural pleasure. Check it out for yourself, including this fun take of an old classic. This is Spencer Day singing "These Boots Were Made for Walkin'".

You can purchase 'Daybreak' from Bandcamp. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can check out my original posts for more music and thoughts about the released music.

Spencer Day • Daybreak

I am such a fan of Spencer Day, and for so many reasons. First and foremost, he has the most wonderful voice. There is a delicious fullness, a sexy richness to the deep end of his range, and a sweet lightness to the top end. And he is a handsome man, as you can tell from the picture above. His music is also a combines the best of what Pop and Jazz have to offer.I first fell in love with Spencer when I heard his album 'Vagabond', and have been hooked since. I have seen his twice playing live, and like whipped cream on a bowl of ice cream, he is also a very kind and sweet man. And a good man who has a new album out, the newly released 'Daybreak'.

Last Friday, May 16, 2014, Day released his latest, 'Daybreak'. The ten-song collection is a combination of original songs and amazing covers. As a matter of fact, the songs are split 5 each, with three for #1 hits, and two former #2 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 from the 1960s. There are also five originals songs written by Spencer, which flow seamlessly with the hits, a true tribute to the quality of the songs. 'Daybreak' begins with the original song "Missing Tonight", the song made available when you placed the pre-order. It is a an invitation from Spencer to join him on a trip, which I would accept anytime. That is followed by "Naturally", another original with a sweetness and innocence that drives me to snap my fingers with a smile in my heart.It's a little bit Country, a little bit Pop-licious. Speaking of snapping fingers, the first cover leads off with just that. Lee Hazelwood wrote the next song for Nancy Sinatra, who had a #1 hit with it in 1966. Yes, Spencer tackles "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'", and that made me a very happy boy. Day offers us great range, from a seductive whisper to a growling shout. That leads to "Don't Let Me In", the third original song, and one of my favorites. There is a soft sensuality to the song that just draws me in from the first bars through the to the last. This is Spencer Day singing "Don't Let Me In".

In 1967, The Association has the #2 song on the Billboard Hot 100, and #1 on the Cashbox Top 100 Singles Chart. "Never My Love" was written by brothers Donald and Richard Addrisi, and given a soft and dreamy feel by The Association. While that recording might have felt a big Adult Contemporary, Spencer adds more gravity, and I feel like he could sing with with Lulu. When your hands start to clap involuntarily with the opening of "Wait Till I Get You Alone", rest assured you are not alone. The original song has a wonderful and sexy energy, and i find it impossible not to wish he was plotting to get me alone. Next up, Day offers us another hit from 1967. Written by band members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, The Young Rascals has a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks with "Groovin'". Spencer retains the Folk/Pop feel, but still gives us a Jazz edge with some cool vocals. The calendar pushed forward to 1969, when Creedence Clearwater Revival scored a #2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Bad Moon Rising". The song was written by frontman John Fogerty, Spencer pulls it from Psychedelic Rock to Acid Jazz, flirting with several genres. In the final cover song on the album, Spencer sings a song by the iconic writing team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Peter and Gordon recorded the song, and it went to #1 on both the Billboard and Cashbox Hot 100 Pop Song charts. I love the laid-back feeling of Spencer Day singing "World Without Love".

The album ends like it started, with a beautiful original from Spencer Day. "You Don't Know You're Lonely" has a wonderful energy, and once more I find myself unable to resist it. There is joy, love, and strength to be found, a combination that is nothing but win. I love the album, and think it might actually top Day's 2013 release, 'The Mystery of You'. I love both albums, but there is something intrinsically loving about 'Daybreak', I just find myself listening to it time and time again. I cannot get enough, and I am starting to feel like I am an addict, and this album is my crack. I can't really pick a favorite cut - if forced, I'd most likely pick the last song I heard, for they are all so damn good! You can purchase 'Daybreak' from Bandcamp. For some reason, it is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon, and not delivered until June 3rd. I'm glad I went to Bandcamp, and have it on my iPod now! To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. Be sure to check out his touring schedule, and go if he is playing near you. I promise you, you will love it!

Spencer Day • My Funny Valentine

Handsome, talented, and busy, being on tour in the Philippines didn't deter the Jazz stylist from offering a little something special to his fans in time to Valentine's Day. Spencer did a live version of "My Funny Valentine", the great song by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart from the 1937 musical 'Babes in Arms'. Here is Spencer singing the iconic Jazz standard.

To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. Be sure to check out his touring schedule, and if he is playing near you, get your ticket early. Seeing Spencer performing live is a treat you will not soon forget. His music is also available online, and you can find it on iTunes and Amazon.

Spencer Day • If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me

When I went to see Spencer Day singing live at the Rrazz Room the beginning of the month, I had a true goal in mind. I was hoping he would sing at least one of the holiday songs off his 2012 EP. 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me', so I could tape it for the blog. But I also wanted to enjoy the show, and take pictures of the handsome singer while he was doing his thing live. (That is one of my picutres from the night above.) Well, I must admit I didn't get my video camera set up soon enough, and when he sang the title cut second, I missed it. Thankfully, another patron was way more ready than I was, and caught it on video. This is Spencer Day singing "If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me" at the Jazz club in New Hope, PA.

Now, I mentioned he released an EP of holiday songs, and I have to tell you, it is one of my favorites. It is a collection featuring one classic and three brand new seasonal songs. The first track is the classic, "Silver Bells", written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, first released in 1950 by Bob Hope and Carol Richards. Spencer puts his own smooth patina on the jewel. Next up is "My Kind of Christmas", written by Spencer and Cliff Goldmacher. (This pair also wrote the sexy and fantastic "Till You Come To Me" off Spencer's 'Vagabond' album). There is a sweet blues quality to "My Kind of Christmas" that I love. "If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me" was again written by Day and Goldmacher, and it combines the reality of living in tough economic time with the joy of the season to bring out a bittersweet quality that also has a touch of humor involved. The last cut on the EP, "Christmas Without You" was written by Goldmacher with Joel Evans. It has a bubbly charm, and features a piano solo that brings so much warmth to my heart. I invite you to watch and listen to the video below, and get a delicious taste of all four songs!

Like I said, the EP immediately became a favorite of mine, and a valued addition to my holiday playlist. You can find 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me' on iTunes, CD Universe, and Amazon. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Spencer Day at the World Cafe Live

Spencer Day at the World Cafe Live! in Philadelphia.

I was beyond excited when I saw Spencer Day was going to perform live at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I've been a huge fan since I found the 'Vagabond' album, and that only grew stronger with the release of his latest, 'The Mystery of You'. The anticipation was so strong, I even had to check in with Spencer on Facebook, and make sure I could take pictures of the handsome jazzman. Once he gave the go ahead, I excitedly packed my cameras, both still and video. Above you will find a few of my pictures, and below an overview of Spencer's show, or Spencer Day in 8 minutes. He did a wonderful selection of songs from the Great American Songbook, as well as some favorite original songs from his own songbook. I can tell you I was feeling blissful from beginning to end, and can't wait to see Spencer live again!

Once I have it figured out, I will upload a couple of the songs from the show, but deciding on which is hard. They were all great! If he is playing anywhere near you, you need to go. Such a great night! For more about Spencer, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. Spencer's latest album, 'The Mystery of You', can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. 'Vagabond' is also available for purchase from iTunes and Amazon.

Spencer Day • Live Music

I will admit it - I am near giddy because I am going to see Spencer Day playing live in Philadelphia tonight. I am so excited, I can hardly think of anything else, so you get this post about Spencer Day, singing some of his great songs live. The first is "Till You Come To Me", the first song I heard, and the reason I fell in love with the man and his music. It is off his 2009 album, 'Vagabond', which I promptly purchased after hearing the song, and I knew I was hooked for life. The music is smoky and sexy, and I want to pop it like candy. Here is Spencer singing "Till You Come To Me" at the Napa Valley Opera House.

Earlier this year, Spencer released a new album, 'The Mystery of You'. I loved every single track on the album, with the sexy 'Mad Men' feel, like any minute Spencer will be joined singing by Jon Hamm, with a scotch in one hand, and cigarette in the other. There is truly something so sultry about Spencer's voice, I just want to hear him again and again. When I found this clip of Spencer singing at Rockwell Table & Stage, I had to stop myself from clapping at my computer. I hope you enjoy Spencer Day singing "The Mystery of You" as much as I do.

Finally, I have another performance clip from Rockwell Table & Stage, also a song from 'The Mystery of You'. I swear to you, every time I hear the opening of "Something Wicked", I just want to get up and dance, moving my hips like I was some great Latin dancer. And, I can assure you, I am not. But that is how much I feel the music, and can only suggest Spencer does as well. This is "Something Wicked".

'The Mystery of You' is available for purchase from iTunes and Amazon. 'Vagabond' is also available for purchase from iTunes and Amazon. For more about Spencer, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. Be sure to check out his tour schedule, to see if and when he is playing in your area! If you are in the Philadelphia area and like to attend tonight, get information and tickets from World Cafe Live.

Spencer Day • Something Wicked

Spencer Day has a new music video out, and man, is it hot! Spencer sure is a handsome devil, and much of the video is just focused on that pretty face. I must admit, there were times when I couldn't take my eyes off his lips... The video features "Something Wicked", a song off his wonderful new album, 'The Mystery of You'. The album, which I reviewed here, is a wonderful Jazz offering, spiced with the wonderful vocals from Spencer. While I have several favorites from the album, one of those would definitely be "Something Wicked", a sexy and delicious song about fighting our inner bad boy. The music video brings that voice on our shoulder to life. I hope you love the music video for "Something Wicked".

I don't know what is more wicked for me - that dancing demon, or having Spencer be all cute and flirty! I love the song, and love the entire album. 'The Mystery of You' is available for purchase from iTunes and Amazon. For more information about Spencer, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. He has begun adding touring dates to the schedule, so make sure you check in to see if he is playing near you. He is playing in Philadelphia next month, and hope to see him then! I hope you get a chance to see him as well. Be sure to join his fan mailing list on the front page of the official website to get the latest news delivered to your mailbox!

Spencer Day • "The Mystery of You" Music Video

The brand new music video from Spencer Day premiered this afternoon, and I LOVE it! Slick, stylized and sexy, the animated video is a 'Film Noire' banquet for the eyes and ears, for the sultry and slinky song, "The Mystery of You" is every bit as yummy as the video itself. So check out the music video for yourself, and see if it is the femme fatale, the hard-boiled detective, or the sexy club singer who looks to solve "The Mystery of You"...

There is just so much deliciousness found in under four minutes in that video! 'The Mystery of You' album is a twelve-song collection that is a 'must have' in your music collection. The album, for which this is the title cut, is available on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. And as tour dates come up, be sure to check in HERE and see if there is a show near you. I am still poised to kill for tickets if he comes to my area!

Spencer Day • The Mystery of You

For fans of Spencer Day, it has been a long wait. Day's last full album, 'Vagabond', was released in 2009. There was the holiday EP, 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me', that dropped last November, which served to whet the appetite for what was to come. So when 'The Mystery of You' finally hit the online stores last Tuesday, I couldn't wait to download it and give it a few listens. Now that I have gotten that accomplished, I can't wait to tell you all about it. But first, for those who might not know of Spencer Day, you really must fix that. Spencer hails from Salt Lade City, Utah, but now resides in California. Day is an out and proud singer/songwriter, signed to Concord Jazz record label. I fell in love with him after listening to 'Vagabond', and was charmed by the holiday release. Want to know what makes me very happy? I am so happy to say 'The Mystery of You' is just wonderful, as I had expected. Day has a way of capturing styles, or even periods, without sounding like a nostalgic cover band. Instead, he reinterprets the those styles to sound fresh. The album begins with a short instrumental "Intro", written by Day. That prepares us for the title cut off the album, "The Mystery of You", written by Day, Evan Rogers, and Carl Sturken. When listening, this put me in mind of theme songs to movies and television shows in the 1960s, mysterious, stylish and so very flirty. That track is followed by a song written by Day and Rupert Christle, "Here I Go". This song has a lighter, breezier feel, showing what a deft touch Spencer has with his vocals. There are certain events in our lives that seem repetitive, like falling in love and breaking up, when we know where we are headed, but we hit the gas anyway. On "Love and War", which features a haunting vocal by Gaby Moreno, has a sweet and timeless feeling at the top. Written by Spencer Day, there is a darker side that comes through, balancing this song nicely. With music by Day and Yair Evnine and lyrics by Day and Bill Demain, "Soul On Fire" starts with a sweet opening, before digging down deep to speak from the heart. While no videos have been released for the album, there is one that will give you some great highlights.

The second "Something Wicked" began to play, I was transported, the sexy and hypnotic sound tickling me just right. Written by Day, Marc Jackson Burrows, and Cliff Goldmacher, the song puts Haight-Ashbury in a smooth Jazz setting, with just the right dose of sultry. From the first sweet notes of "I Don't Want To Know", we realize this will be something different than the other songs. Once again, Day enlisted the talents of Gaby Moreno to perfectly support his vocals. The song, written by Day, Larry Goldings, and Jeffrey Scharf, captures so many feelings we've all had in a relationship that is definitely not on the way up. With the sound of the drums in the first bars of "The Answer", written by Day, Evan Rogers, and Carl Sturken, there is a shift. There is a hurt in those drums, a level of drama. This one immediately brings Elvis to mind, for there is something in Spencer's voice that recalls the King. We quickly shift our hips when the samba rhythm kicks in for "Shadow Man". Written by Spencer, there is a lightness I immediately love. Next up is another song written by Day, "Somewhere On The Other Side". There is a darkness in the opening of the song, but the chorus brings the light, and uplifts us all, with a great guitar riff leading the way. With the opening bars of "A Long Way (Black Rock City)", there is a sexiness to Spencer's vocals, which start out light but grow stronger to the chorus. The song has music by Day and Larry Goldings, and lyrics by Day. There is a wonderful timelessness to the song. Now, I've mentioned there are no music videos released yet, but I couldn't resist reminding everyone how amazing Spencer is, so I am including a clip of "Til You Come To Me", off the album 'Vagabond'.

There is a beauty in the lightness of "Nevermind", written by Day and Larry Goldings. It almost has an acoustic feel, with simple accompaniment to Spencer's vocals, adding to the tender acceptance of the song. "I'm Going Home", written by Day and Cliff Goldmacher, rounds out the album. I love this as a last cut, for it bring the emotional journey of the album to a great finish, and is just a damn good song. I know I keep humming and singing this song long after the album is finished. Although I have to admit I also had an irresistible urge to listen to the album time and time again.

The great news is 'The Mystery of You' is now available on iTunes and Amazon. The twelve-song collection is a great addition to any music collection, and you really need to have Spencer Day singing to you on a fairly regular basis. To learn more about Spencer, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. And as tour dates come up, be sure to check in and see if there is a show near you. I have yet to have the privilege of seeing Spencer perform live, but hope to remedy that soon.

Spencer Day • Love & Other Mysteries

Today, Spencer Day released a new album of great new material, 'The Mystery of You'. To go along with the new 13-track collection, there is also a mini-documentary, allowing us all to get to know Spencer a little bit better. I have downloaded the album, and given it a first listen, and I am loving it. But I am still not ready to write up a review, so I thought I would share this video with you, a six-and-a-half minute clip that allows Spencer himself to give some background to the great music you are can find on 'The Mystery of You'. Please enjoy 'Love & Other Mysteries'.

If you'd like to purchase 'The Mystery of You', you can find it on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Spencer Day, you can visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Spencer Day • If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me EP

I have been eagerly awaiting a new album from the handsome and talented Spencer Day for some time. He had mentioned working on it some time ago, so I try to keep tabs on what he is up to. So color me surprised that somehow I managed to miss the release of a Christmas EP, featuring one classic and three brand new seasonal songs. The first track is the classic, "Silver Bells", written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, first released in 1950 by Bob Hope and Carol Richards. Spencer puts his own smooth patina on the jewel. Next up is "My Kind of Christmas", written by Spencer and Cliff Goldmacher. Day and Goldmacher also wrote the sexy and fantastic "Till You Come To Me" off Spencer's 'Vagabond' album. There is a sweet blues quality to "My Kind of Christmas" that I love. "If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me" was again written by Day & Goldmacher, and combines the reality of living in tough economic time with the joy of the season to bring out a bittersweet quality that also has a touch of humor involved. The last cut on the EP, "Christmas Without You" was written by Goldmacher with Joel Evans. It has a bubbly charm, and features a piano solo that brings so much warmth to my heart. Well, hit the video below, and get a short taste of all four songs!

You can find 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me' on iTunes, CD Universe, and Amazon. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. His next album, 'The Mystery of You', is expected to be released in March of 2013.