Artist description E. J. Decker --The big male voice is all too rare on the Jazz scene today. Now, it's here.

Music Style Jazz, Blues, R'n'B, Standards

Musical Influences Ray Charles, Mel Torme, Sammy Davis, Jr., Arthur Prysock

Similar Artists Kevin Mahogany, Andy Bey

Artist History The son of a big band singer, E. J. has been one of the leading male singers working on the NYC scene over the last ten years. From his teens, E. J. has sung in Rock bands, Soul bands and even done some Folk and Country work. It all gets mixed into a musical style that has been refered to as "Biker Gershwin.""

Group Members E. J. Decker, vocals; Les Kurtz, piano; Dave Hofstra, bass; Tom Melito, drums; Randy Sandke, trumpet; Bob Kindred, tenor saxophoneo

Instruments voice, piano, bass, drums, trumpet, tenor sax

Albums While the City Sleeps... (Candela Records EJ9265)

Press Reviews Legendary jazz vocalist Laurel Watson: It's so nice to finally hear someone who knows what they're doing! ******************************************************* Frank Rubolino, Cadence magazine CD review (November 2001): Decker sings in a deep bariton e voice while being accompanied b y an up-tempo quintet. His presentation is lush, and his songs have a tinge of brash elegance. Decker has a way of presenting his tunes using dynamic flair, and he commands attention through his direct and forceful delive ry. He seems to prefer singing les ser-exposed standards, and he displays a bold stroke of authority on each o f them. He also composed one of the program's ballads where his low voice effectively stretches and holds the notes. Decker keeps the melody lin e always in sight, but he does have a knack for accentuating phrases and word endings to give uniqueness to his performance. Decker sings many romantic tunes, but he does not come across as a sentimental romantic. There is just too much punch in his style to make that association. Nevertheless, he is a solid entertainer. *********************************************************** Craig Turner, 52nd St. Jazz, WPNE 89.3 FM: (On 4/15/01)-- I can honestly say this CD blew me away. I have received some grea t CDs from people. But right from the first song, title cut, I knew I had a winner in my hands. I love his voice and while one has to always compare voices to other known singers, he has his own sound. I guess singers like Eckstine, Williams and Prysock h ave something in common with him, and that is clear diction and the ability to blend well with the band and make his vocal another "instrument." Lots of great interplay with Bob Kindred, who is a fine sax player. I am very familiar with Randy Sandke. I wi ll give it plenty of air time. (On 4/27/01)-- Isn't E.J.'s CD mighty fi ne! I didn't know he was so tall, 6'4" or 6'5"--that is where he gets that wonderful baritone voice. I highly recommend this CD! Randy Sandke, on trumpet, is great but the whole band smokes. Bob Kindred, the tenor sax player, man, he can play that '40s Be n Webster-style horn. After repeated listens, I put this CD in the "must have" category. It is one of those CDs that always puts you in a good mood. (On 5/18/01)-- I had a call the other night when I played 'Since I Met You Baby,' from a woman who said he sounded a little like Elvis. I guess she was talking about the sexy way he sings on this song. P

Location New York, NY - USA

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