Georgie Fame - Closing the Gap (2022)

Closing the Gap pairs Georgie Fame with the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, a tandem that works better than one might expect: the languid island rhythms prove a solid match with Fame's seasoned vocals, and he embraces the reggae aesthetic wholeheartedly, never once entertaining the notion that this may seem at first blush little more than a novelty session. Producer/arranger Lloyd Charmers also contributed the lion's share of songs, and while the material isn't particularly memorable, its silky smooth approach accentuates the warmth and wit that are Fame's signatures. By no means the point of entry into the Georgie Fame catalog, it's nevertheless worth seeking out if you're already a convert. © Jason Ankeny