Search - Luqman Hamza :: With This Voice

A rare male jazz vocalist of quality

11/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Man, how have I missed this guy before? I live in Kansas City, which is Luqman Hamza's home base, and have been hearing about him for awhile, but haven't heard anything by him until recently. Hamza, according to the liner notes, was influenced by Billy Eckstine, and he reminds me of a tenor version of Eckstine. He handles both ballads and swing very capably, and is helped immeasureably by four of the best musicians in KC - Sonny Kenner on guitar, Kim Park on alto and flute, Tommy Ruskin on drums, and Tyrone Clark on bass. I enjoyed every minute of this CD, particularly Born To Be Blue, With These Hands, and Until the Real Thing Comes Along. The latter was a national hit for Andy Kirk's Clouds of Joy in the 1930s, with a vocal by Pha Terrell, another native KC tenor, and it's interesting to hear an update of this tune. There aren't many really good male jazz singers around anymore, and I think Hamza is a major find, on the order of Andy Bey a few years ago. He also recorded a CD last year that I'm now going to have to look up as quickly as possible; I don't know if there are any other recordings in his past or not. I wish him the good health and longevity (he's apparently about 70), as well as the industry support, to continue recording.The program includes: Born To Be Blue; Feeling Good; My One and Only Love; Never Let Me Go; Weaver Of Dreams; Until the Real Thing Comes Along; Blue Moon; My Funny Valentine; Don't Get Around Much Anymore; Laura; What Does It Take; Just One Of Those Things; With These Hands"

Fantastic Singer - a real surprise

D. Borowka | Canada | 11/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am referring to the 24K gold - DSD Mastered version of this CD. What a beautiful voice, so relaxing. It is one of my best CD purchases ever (out of some 1000CDs). I want now to get the SACD version for an even better sonic enchantment."

Luqman is the man

divabelle | Kansas City, MO United States | 05/18/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's hard to say if his playing or his singing is better. Luqman (one of Kansas City's native sons) is a musician par excellance. His melodious voice will make you swoon!"