Blessed with a great voice, this Canadian singer found fame in 1969 with the jazz-rock band, Blood Sweat &Tears. It's a treat to hear him return to his roots in this intimate jazz context. The band kick starts the soulful original, "Mercy Lord Above" into a consumate groove that shows the singer in his element. The mood changes dramatically when his anguished vibrato conveys the vulnerability of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain" "Lazy Bones" is an inspired choice, a standard that suits his strengths.

-David Lewis