Augie Haas - Have We Met? (2018)

Here’s a West Coast Cool delivery from vocalist and trumpet man Augie Haas. He keeps the swing relaxed with a spartan team of Carmen Staaf/p and Dick Sarpola/b on this collection of standards. His voice gives hints of Chet Baker relaxed as he is cozy and hip with his warm horn on “Pennies From Heaven” and with the Harmon mute during “There Will Never Be Another You.” Staaf’s piano is relaxed during “I Won’t Dance,” and when he switches to keyboards he gives a soul groove to the sleek “So Danco Samba” and “Wave.” Hass and Sarpola serenade well on “When You Wish Upon a Star” and have fun on “Lean Baby,” as Haas shows some veritas as he sighs on horn during “Here’s That Rainy Day.” A Breezy drive on PCH with the top down.~ By George W. Harris