After making waves in cabaret over the last year, Kevin Dozier has released his debut album, Love-Wise. With brilliant musical director/ arranger Christopher Marlowe at the helm, this album stands out as one of the better entries of the year. The very eclectic selections range from the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein to cabaret’s Tom Andersen.

Dozier has a supple baritone and warm delivery that compel the listener to press the replay button. Much of the album captures understated moods of romance. Marlowe’s band arrangements are impeccable throughout.

While not having much element of surprise, there are definite standouts worth citing, starting with “People Will Say We’re in Love.” This inviting opener sets the tone. By the time you get to the album’s most seductive cut, a jazz-tinged, perfectly sung “On a Slow Boat to China,” you’re hooked. Dozier’s delightfully restrained vocals are enhanced by some rich horn solos that are dreamlike.

Other highlights: a yearning “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and a surprisingly well-paced “Love Changes Everything.” What makes the latter special is a controlled intensity on a show-off anthem that has most singers turning red. A rare beauty by Patti Austin, “What’s at the End of the Rainbow?,” and “Always,” are beautiful and personalized in pathos.

Not all of it is perfect. But that doesn’t matter here. This is a debut CD by someone serious about the dying art of intimate persuasion. That alone makes this a most impressive album.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
September 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org