On the Moon

Vocalist/pianist Peter Cincotti burst onto the jazz scene in 2003 as an 18-year-old wunderkind much in the same way that Harry Connick, Jr. positioned himself as an updated crooner with a debut album of enjoyable if predictable standards from various decades. Interestingly, Cincotti's follow-up, On the Moon, finds him exploring funk and soft rock balladry. Similar to his British contemporary Jamie Cullum, Cincotti seems intent here on mixing a radio-friendly melodic pop aesthetic with his jazz chops. In fact, the title track sounds a lot like Cullum's single "All at Sea," which is not to say that Cincotti is ripping anybody off. On the contrary, while there are touches of David Gates, Barry Manilow, and even Coldplay, it is hard to pinpoint any concrete influences for Cincotti's singer/songwriter style. While original songs are the focus this time around, there is also a bevy of inspired standard tunes. To these ends, he opens the album with a funky, hip-hop-influenced take on "St. Louis Blues," gives "Bali Ha'i" a bluesy Sting-influenced vibe, and turns "Up on the Roof" into a cinematic ballad. Adding to the lush atmosphere are full string arrangements and guest spots by such sought-after New York artists as keyboardist Sam Yahel, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, and drummer Kenny Washington.