JAMIE HOSMER – Comfortable Shoes [Japan Edition +1] (2021) *HQ*

Despite of being in the music business for over three decades, “Comfortable Shoes” is the first solo album from talented American songwriter / multi instrumentalist JAMIE HOSMER. He recently did background vocals for Tomi Malm’s last album, but also has worked with the likes of Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Bill Champlin, Asia featuring John Payne, etc, co-starred stage musicals with Lou Gramm, Bobby Kimball, Mickey Thomas, and recorded as session musicians on many albums.
The genesis for “Comfortable Shoes” started with Covid-19; impossible to tour or working with other artists, Jamie decided to record his own songs for a solo debut CD.
What we have here is a collection of songs which takes you back to California circa 1980, West Coast / Soft Rock FM radio tunes mixed with modern rock&pop sensibility. With a style ranging from Bill Champlin, Christopher Cross or Steely Dan to current exponents such as Young Gun Silverfox, Steffan Gunnarson, Tomi Malm, “Comfortable Shoes” is a pure delight.
Hosmer’s approach to arrangements & performance strongly brings to mind David Foster’s works. Darn, he even looks like a young David Foster!

Title track ‘Comfortable Shoes’, the first song, is a faithful reflection of Hosmer’s influence; late Seventies / early Eighties West Coast music, like an updated Steely Dan, filled with excellent arrangements and his impeccable voice. ‘Paradise’ is a sentimental ballad, a showcase for the ’80s pop waves which are also an important side on this album, including a nice string section.

‘Can´t Stop Thinking About You’ is made for 1979 FM radio, a dynamic tune with cool Fender Rhodes, synths, smooth guitars and that sweet vocals. Bill Champlin would be proud of it. Another wonderful Eighties-like ballad appear with ‘Lost In The Rain’, with that Hammond in the background creating such fine atmosphere.
‘The Answer’ brings bluesy vibes. Again from that Hammond and some class guitar pickin’ are the basis of this song, something that makes us think of The Doobie Brothers from the beginning of the 80s.

‘This Love Is Like Water’ is definitely among my favorite songs on the album; you can’t stop humming the catchy chorus. In this song the electric guitar is in charge of talented Michael Cavanaugh, without a solo but creating a great rhythm. A fabulous ballad.
Hosmer also does a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s classic ’80s tune ‘Time After Time’. It’s a very different version, very personal, slow and atmospheric. It’s just his pristine voice, almost a cappella, only accompanied by keyboards played by himself.

“Comfortable Shoes” is a really good album, taking you back to a better time, vintage in spirit but with a contemporary feel as well. Production, mix, and mastering are stupendous, all coming out natural, detailed.
Exquisite.

 

Ｐ～ＶＩＮＥ ＪＡＰＡＮ ／ 94030
『Comfortable Shoes』

01 – Comfortable Shoes
02 – Paradise
03 – Can’t Stop Thinking About You
04 – Lost In The Rain
05 – The Answer (2020 Version)
06 – This Love Is Like Water
07 – Fade Away
08 – Beautiful Day
09 – Time After Time
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
10 – The Answer (Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns Version)

Jerry Lopez: Lead Guitar
John Wedemeyer, Jake Langley, Michael Cavanaugh: Guitar
David Inamine, Rochon Westmoreland: Bass
Dave Richardson: Horn Arrangement
Ronnie Foster: Hammond B3
Jamie Hosmer: Lead Vocals, Programming, Rhodes, Lead Synth, B3, Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars

 

BUY
tower.jp/item/5156532