Jeffrey Gimble’s second album, Brand New Key, is a captivating mix of classic standards, lesser-known gems, and a few tracks that absolutely deserve to become standards. It marks the vocalist’s long-anticipated return since his 2013 debut, Beyond Up High. All About Jazz praised his debut, calling it “quite frankly, terrific in style, swing, and swagger.” With Brand New Key, Gimble continues to showcase his refined artistry, capturing the essence of jazz while introducing fresh interpretations that reveal his growth as a performer.
The album features a stellar lineup of Los Angeles musicians, including acclaimed pianist and composer Josh Nelson, who also produced the album. Guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Dan Lutz, and drummer Dan Schnelle round out the band. Gimble had long hoped to collaborate with Nelson. “Josh is such a brilliant pianist and arranger," he says. "We kept talking about doing a project together, and I thought, how could I not? He’s one of my closest friends and one of the best pianists in town.”
Gimble’s musical journey began in a jazz-filled home in Houston, where he accompanied his bandleader father to gigs, immersed himself in his family's vast jazz record collection, and played piano and sang. It was during these formative years that he first encountered the Great American Songbook and the works of American musical theater, sparking a lifelong love of jazz.
Brand New Key reflects Gimble’s passion for the music of the '60s and '70s while delving into his own musical evolution. "I think the real reason I chose the title Brand New Key is because it signifies that I’m a different singer now," he explains. "I’m bringing something to the table that I didn’t have before. I’m full of new ideas and excited about where I can take a song.”
The album opens with a fresh take on the 1926 jazz standard "Bye Bye Blackbird." Inspired by old-school R&B, Gimble gives it a funky groove, influenced by Curtis Mayfield’s soul-driven style. Another standout track is "Tryin’ Times," originally recorded by the legendary Roberta Flack in 1969. A call for unity and love in the face of adversity, Gimble honors the song’s timeless message with sensitivity, while mixing in real-life street sounds for added texture.
Among the highlights is Gimble’s interpretation of the Rodgers and Hart classic "I Didn’t Know What Time It Was," from their 1939 Broadway musical Too Many Girls. The lyrics' joyful spirit resonate deeply with Gimble, who has always admired the duo's lyrical prowess.
Gimble also pays tribute to his childhood love of bossa nova with a Portuguese rendition of "A Rã (A Frog)." His deep admiration for bossa nova icons like Sérgio Mendes has been with him since childhood. A nostalgic memory of spotting Mendes backstage at a concert at age four has stayed with him, fueling his lifelong affection for the genre.
In another moment of serendipity, Gimble and Nelson spontaneously recorded "The Nearness of You," a song they frequently perform together during gigs. What started as a casual jam session ended up as a track the two felt deserved to be on the album.
The title track, “Brand New Key,” a pop hit by Melanie from 1971, adds a fun and playful twist to the collection. "It’s a little sexy, a little goofy, and I really enjoy singing it," Gimble says, adding that it was the first record he ever bought. His cover of Dena DeRose's "In the Glow of the Moonlight" draws him in with its unexpected melody shifts and octave leaps, a perfect match for his voice.
The album’s closer, "Music’s The Only Thing That’s on My Mind," pays homage to his childhood, recalling the moments when his father played "Sweet Adeline." "The music that he taught me reached right out and caught me," Gimble reflects. "Music’s the only thing that’s on my mind."
Gimble’s father, Maynard Gimble, always encouraged him to follow his heart, and that’s precisely what he’s done with Brand New Key. With Nelson’s brilliant arrangements and the band’s stellar musicianship, the album is a heartfelt, personal journey that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
Brand New Key will be released on Café Pacific Records and will be available on Bandcamp (physical copies) and all streaming platforms on April 4, 2025.
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