Picture David Bowie from the 80s moonlighting as a cabaret singer and you get this guy: dramatic, verge-of-cracking-in-desperation vocalist (with a strong English accent) crooning about middle-life romance. (I bet he describes himself as “sensual.”) Orchestral accompaniment, piano-based with special guests. Lyrics, song styles, and liner notes leaning towards what I’m assuming is irony, so that’s okay. Nice playful cabaret style accompaniments.

*1. *(3:54) dreamy yet jaunty bounce, gentle harmonies and soft bells.
2. (3:29) synthy dark prowling syncopation (these lyrics kinda freak me out—“the place our sexes merge” . . . eew.)
*3. *(6:06) soulful piano with night bird sounds; this is the cabaret tune that gets one spotlight and a red rose.­
4. (3:48) ironic soft Cuban groove; “join me for the unhappy hour”
5. (3:01) groovy piano that sounds like “Walking in Memphis”
*6. *(2:13) composery classical piano sound, halting and lilting. (guest oboe)
7. (2:51) midtempo and coy, with syncopated strings, ahhh harmonies
8. (5:15) starts in near silence; slow deliberate piano with soft desperate gravelly voice
9. (3:27) sunny day groovy stroll, with exuberant brass.
10. (3:43) halting chords, hopeful and plaintive; harmonica wailing.

—Reviewed by Mandy (la chanteuse)