Until Tomorrow

Toronto vocalist Vincent Wolfe's second album is a bit hippier than his first release in 1998, Trust the Vibe. But he stays true to his softly modulated voice, which he can increase and strengthen in intensity to make a point. He has also pulled together a new set of supporting characters for this go-'round, except for guitarist Sean Bray, who not only wrote the original material for the play list, mainly with Wolfe, but provides the necessary harmonic foundation for this pianoless aggregation. He is the only sideman who is on all tracks, and after hearing his clear-stringed, slightly chordal modulated playing on "Until Tomorrow," one understands why his constant guitar presence is important to the success of the program. One of the newer additions is the fine Canadian tenor sax player Mike Murley, who makes a considerable contribution on such cuts as "Detour Ahead" and "Don't Go to Strangers." But it's the effective and telling delivery of the singer that makes this session work. His interpretation of "When You Wish Upon a Star" sung over Bray's acoustic guitar drips with feeling and shows Wolfe's attuned sense of phrasing and timing as he leaves just enough space between lines to keep the listener hooked. The singer is also at ease with medium tempo material, giving it an uncommon lilting, jiggling representation, as on "Day By Day," with the ever-present Bray in tow coupled with excellent basslines by Artie Roth. Put together a recipe of good tunes, with energetic arrangements (again Bray), sung by a versatile singer, who hits the mark with each tune, and you have another fine effort by Vincent Wolfe. Recommended.