Thierry Condor's City Nights Is Flawless West Coast Ride

Thierry Condor
City Nights 
Niro Music


Thierry Condor lives in Switzerland. His heritage is both French and Italian. And he's spent some formidable time in California absorbing west coast jazzy pop into his DNA. Vocally, Thierry is familiar. In his voice you hear the likes of Barry Gibb, Michael Jackson, Christopher Cross and David Pack. His voice is like an all star cast of sounds from the golden age of groove based pop made from the mid 1970's to the early 80's. This is actually Condor's 5th musical excursion. And with each album, he only perfects his west coast magic more and more.

"City Nights" is a silky smooth ride through 13 stellar tracks. "One Night In Monte Carlo" should get some airplay on the few remaining smooth jazz stations stateside. This lush, upbeat song will have you moving your feet and following the story line of exotic love. The glistening production features Claudio Cervino's masterful guitar combined with some wonderful production by Urs Wiesendanger. "Driving To LA" has a modern Little River Band sound to it with more bounce. West coast legend Jay Graydon lends his funky guitar to the mix. This actually happens a lot. People who can't find work here in the states are asked to help on fruitful projects overseas. The title track to the collection slows it down a tad but what is true throughout is the lack of a bad song. There are no clunkers in this collection. Vocals are produced with a syrupy goodness that makes for some perfect ear candy. Headphones only make the experience more enjoyable. Another highlight is "Day By Day" which has a real Al Jarreau meets Bill LaBounty vibe. The album is totally authentic in it's imitation of those who've come before.

Thierry's 18 year old daughter Vanessa guests on "The Same Melody". Her voice sounds wonderful next to dad's. The song is sweet and sentimental. Duets like these don't exist anymore. This will make you think of James Ingram and Patti Austin or something similar. "Full Blown Love Affair" time travels the listener back to 1981. It's funky pop with a gigantic hook. It might even get you to the dance floor. "So Into You" is a breezy mid tempo smooth jazz number. These songs all have an indelible quality. They have the power to stick with you and become recognizable and familiar very quickly. "Only The Lonely" is another standout track taking a more straight forward approach but again will draw you in with the chorus and the punchy drumbeat. The album concludes with dueling smooth jazz guitars coupled with some light horns on"Saint-Tropez". A fitting conclusion to a near flawless recording.

"City Nights" is a west coast pop-jazz-rock masterpiece. Years ago this album would be considered Grammy worthy. These days we can hope it at least gets noticed next to the pile of musical mediocrity that obscures it. This is the west coast album of the year so far.

Thanks to Niro Music for the promo CD and the faith in my reviewing skills!