It's not difficult to see why Spencer Day has been receiving widespread critical and popular acclaim. The music of his new CD Vagabond is sensational and his live delivery of each tasty vignette is a joy to behold. The compositions strengthen Day's considerable repertoire of soul, pop, R&B, jazz and folk, synthesizing into a unique style buoyed by his youthful exuberance and appeal.

His baritone can be strong and expressive one moment ("Movie of Your Life"), subtle and smooth in the beautiful "Summer," with its wise imagery that belies Day's youth, the next. The simple melody of "Vagabond" washes over you as it develops from as simple piano flourish to a lush orchestration worthy of a Gershwin or Hammerstein. "Maybe," a song about possibilities tinged with just a note of cynicism, builds from a piano/strings soliloquy to a full crescendo that typifies Day's ambitious composing.

A new-style troubadour in the Randy Newman, Jim Croce, Paul Simon, Rufus Wainwright tradition, Day's songs weave tales of longing, displacement, romance and introspection. "25" deals with the fears of change ("Everything's changing, boy you're gonna blow it") while the haunting "Weeping Willow" attempts to find peace in the present moment.

Backed by longtime collaborator Yair Evnine on guitars, guest vocalist Crystal Monee-Hall and a four piece string section, Day gave his music wings to soar. At 29, Day is already an accomplished vocalist, pianist, composer, arranger and lyricist and the sky seems to be his limit.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
July 24, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org