It was at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore when I first heard trumpeter Jumaane Smith play a few songs during Jackie Evancho’s Songs of the Silver Screen Tour in 2013. After the concert, I left wanting to know more about Jumaane Smith. Not only that, I wanted to hear more. Luckily for me, he released his debut album called I Only Have Eyes For You.

Featuring performances by Michael Bublé, Jackie Evancho and Naturally 7, I Only Have Eyes For You is a celebration of the Great American Songbook with the theme of love and romance.

…the music feels alive and fresh…

What strikes me most about Jumaane Smith is how he puts the integrity of the music first above his own ego. What I mean is, Jumaane’s trumpet performance on the album is not pretentious.

This is most evident with the song “Come Rain or Come Shine.” Featuring singer Michael Bublé, Jumaane played in a manner in which supported and reinforced the vocalist. And when it was time for Jumaane’s trumpet solo, it was used to build the emotional excitement, creating an exhilarating transition for when Bublé came back with his vocals.

Advertisement

Superbly arranged by Larry Hochman, “The Way You Look Tonight” not only features Jumaane on the trumpet, but he also does the vocals as well. At the risk of sounding cheesy or disingenuous, from the beginning of this song I was immediately transported into the imaginary arms of my true love. This is one of those songs I had on repeat after I first heard it because I didn’t want those good feelings to leave me.

“America’s Got Talent” child prodigy singing sensation Jackie Evancho hugs every note and lyric with the French song “La Vie En Rose.” Written by famous French cabaret singer, Edith Piaf along with Marquerite Monnot and Louis Guglielmi, this song encourages one to look at life through rose-colored glasses. What I like about this arrangement is the contrast between Jumaane Smith’s jazzy singing voice and Jackie Evancho’s classical singing voice. Both pleasing, the contrast allowed me to feel the lyrics differently, yet respectfully.

Besides the solo trumpet and solo vocals, the album also includes a symphony orchestra and choir.

All together the album has 11 tracks: “Come Rain Or Come Shine,” “Dream,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “I Only Have Eyes for You,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Yesterday,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “La Vie En Rose,” “Stardust,” and “Please Send Me Someone to Love.”

After listening to the album I Only Have Eyes For You, I left feeling good, relaxed, and fulfilled.

Though it is a studio recording, the music feels alive and fresh as if it were a live performance.

To learn more about Jumaane Smith or to purchase his album, click here.