Blaine Sharp - Wanderlust (2019)

Lush, timeless vocals and jazzy arrangements set the mood for a quiet, romantic evening or elegant cocktail party. The original title song has just the easy vibe you need for your favourite chill playlist.

Lush, timeless vocals and a jazzy song set entice us to linger, dreaming of far-away horizons and distant lovers.

Blaine is joined here by an outstanding ensemble of musicians including trumpeter Nolan Shaheed, guitarist Mitchell Long and Allen Mezquida on sax, among others. Everything is beautifully led and arranged by composer and jazz pianist Peter Smith.

The album explores a romantic notion of wanderlust, with each song expressing a desire to get away with a yearning for love, lost or found. With jazz inflections throughout it wanders playfully through a number of musical genres including samba, bossa, swing, French jazz and vintage country pop.

Among the highlights 'Le Vent d'été' ('Summer Wind') offers a wistful take on a classic song with new French lyrics by Blaine Sharp. 'A Journey to a Star' is a swinging introduction to a lesser-known gem by Harry Warren and Leo Robin... and a smoldering samba treatment to 'Lullaby of Birdland' nods to bebop influences, evoking a seductive fusion of jazz sounds.

Two original songs are at the heart of this musical journey, with 'Wanderlust' a dreamy and exotic tune that sets us out on our travels, and 'Road to Nowhere' the sweet and quiet ending that brings us back home where hopefully we discover what we set out to find.

This is Blaine Sharp's début release. He's an independent singer, actor and songwriter born and raised in Canada, now living in Los Angeles. Blaine brings rich vocals and a disarming emotional candour to his lyric. He looks forward to exploring many of the musical ideas established in this first release.