Product Description
Coulda Woulda Shoulda is the full-length debut album from 27 year-old Canadian pop crooner, Matt Forbes. Hailed for his hip, youthful approach to 'vintage pop', Coulda Woulda Shoulda evokes the immediacy, sophistication and excitement of those classic pop albums of yore all while giving audiences a fresh contemporary sound that's all his own. Matt's soulful vocals and unmistakable sound are wowing the "millennials" of his own generation with songs made popular decades before they were born.
Bringing a unique brand of contemporary cool to these classics, Matt breathes new life into such familiar pop hits as 'Beyond The Sea', 'I Get A Kick Out of You', 'The Good Life', 'Somethin' Stupid' and 'Witchcraft' while reimagining more obscure gems like 'Gloomy Sunday', 'Artificial Flowers', 'Once Upon a Time' and 'Some of These Days'. Forbes bookends the album much the same way it begins, with another Charles Trenet classic 'Que reste-t-il de nos amours?' a delicate reimagining of the classic French hit, more commonly known to English audiences as 'I Wish You Love'.
Coulda Woulda Shoulda was recorded at the historic Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, and features original arrangements by acclaimed London-based composer and arranger Callum Au, whose recent work includes arranging for the BBC Big Band and GRAMMY nominee Jamie Cullum. Matt also enlisted the industry's top session musicians to join him on the recording including the legendary Gene 'Cip' Cipriano (the most recorded woodwind player in the history of recorded music) Carl Saunders, Doug Webb, John Chiodini, Steve Hughes, Ken Wild, Alan Steinberger and Jake Reed. Matt's debut EP, The Twelve Minutes of Christmas, released in November 2014, received wide critical acclaim and airplay across the US, Canada and United Kingdom, where it was featured prominently on programs for CBS Radio, CBC Radio and BBC Radio 2.
Review
"From the very first note, I loved this CD. This guy is a giant superstar! Backed by a sensational band. And Forbes not only has 'The Voice', but the phrasing that reminds you of every deep love you've had, every dark night parked with your favorite love while listening to the radio. This guy has the vocal power, the gift and the whim. It's difficult to pick a "best" tune. Without question, he gets into your heart with the familiar "Beyond the Sea," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "Once Upon a Time." Guess I'd pick "Some of These Days." This tune has that big band swing touch going for it. I've always loved the tune "Somethin' Stupid" and I don't think I've ever heard it better than by Matt Forbes I'm totally impressed." --Claude Hall, Former Radio & TV Editor, Billboard Magazine
"Matt Forbes is an exciting and poignant jazz singer who understands the importance of turning a phrase with dynamics, soul, and originality. I prefer his style to some of the more pop-based jazz crooners like Jamie Cullum. Forbes' sound is more sincere and pure. It is also obvious that he understands the lyrics to these timeless standards which sets him apart from a countless number of vocalists who try to tackle these chestnuts without delving into the lyrics and theme of each composition. The band swings hard too. The thoughtful and tasteful backing of the band accentuates Forbes' phrasing perfectly. I am sure that Forbes has a very bright future ahead of him. This is a terrific album for all music lovers alike." --Devon Wendell, The International Review of Music
"I have been in programming and station management for more than 50 years. I listen to a lot of product sadly, some of it is not very good. What a pleasant surprise when I listened to [Coulda Woulda Shoulda]. Matt Forbes is good. And I mean REALLY good. Do not compare him to Sinatra or Buble. Matt has his own special style that is great in its own way. It is an understatement to say that his style is unique and refreshing it is all those things and I expect that in time to come, he will be recognized for a compelling style which the Great American Songbook needs as we move into this new century." --Saul Levine, KJAZZ 88.1 FM, America's Jazz & Blues Station
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Package Dimensions : 5.63 x 4.84 x 0.31 inches; 2.29 ounces
- Manufacturer : Old Bag Records
- Date First Available : August 27, 2015
- Label : Old Bag Records
- Number of discs : 1
