With a heart of gold and voice straight out of the '60s, John Stevens slid onto American Idol back in 2004 and into the hearts of Buffalo natives across the country. After a relatively unsuccessful release with Maverick Records and the decision to go to the Berklee College of Music, Stevens has started over in a way, with step one being footed back home.
Stevens returns with the locally produced and sold Home For Christmas. Full of swing-fused Christmas cheer and big-band arrangements, there's no question that Stevens has taken his Sinatra-esque style and found a medium that isn't afraid to go retro.
Behind Phil Sims' grand arrangements, Stevens takes a red-pressed suit to the classics. Upbeat takes on 'Winter Wonderland' and 'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer' are charming and fun, complete with Stevens' smooth vocals and finger-snapping, rhythmic unity.
Renditions of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' and 'Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)' are flush with feeling and snow-covered adoration. Standing out today or really any day, it's not difficult to see Stevens growing up and falling in love with the Rat Pack releases in his grandparents' record collection.
With that being said, Stevens isn't exactly on par with Frank Sinatra or Michael Bublé, not that anyone is. This is apparent with his slightly lackluster performance on 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,' which is complete with its own homage to the Rat Pack, spun Santa style. Even with the best intentions, it comes off a little cheesy and not as charismatic as the rest of the collection.
There's no doubt that Stevens loves the holidays, as each track is heartfelt and genuine. He has a lot of potential and an extremely inviting vocal style, even if it's geared towards the Sands Hotel and not the Hot 100.
Offering a blast from the past through the lips of a young crooner, Home For Christmas takes us on a wintery stroll through Christmas in Williamsville, suit and all.
Maybe he's not a mainstream darling, but here, during the most wonderful time of the year, Johnny Red will always be welcome.
E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
