The prevailing wisdom in pop music is: When all else fails, fox-trot out the standards. Guarini, Doylestown native and original American Idol runner-up, goes this route on his second CD, an independently produced jazz album. Surprisingly, it works. Singing Cole Porter tunes and other classics, Guarini displays an agile, attractive voice with good phrasing (although he still needs to learn shading). He's supported by a sophisticated and funky backing ensemble led by pianist Greg Gordon Smith.
Apparently, Guarini is better at singing than spelling. The album credits twice botch the name of lyricist Lorenz Hart. Based on this outing, it would seem Ginger Boy wants to establish himself as the male Sade, which may be beyond his grasp. But becoming an earthier Al Jarreau is within his sights. Guarini's silky, yearning treatment of "Night and Day" can already stand with anything neotraditionalists like Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum are doing.
Available online for $14.99 including shipping at justinguarini.com or by calling 888-221-1161.