Just In Time

Review: Dave Gelly, The Observer

After the virtual monopoly of women singers in recent times, it is just possible that the guys are about to have their turn. First, Jamie Cullum scored a huge success and now here comes David Tughan, with a voice and style just as distinctive as Cullum’s but entirely different. His light voice and crisp diction are ideally suited to fast tempos and witty lyrics both of which he handles with tremendous aplomb.

The opening number here, “I can do that”, goes at a terrifying lick, but he remains the epitome of cool throughout. And his version of “Nothing like You” is actually more convincing than the one recorded by its composer, Bob Dorough. Tughan, who is also an up and coming actor, has a very good little band all of them new names to me. The rhythm section of Simon Colam, Tom Herbert and Chris Higginbottom is immaculately poised and alert, while tenor saxophonist Steve Kaldestad provides the perfect second
voice, fluent and subtle.

Review: Musician Magazine

I hope that Jamie Cullum’s deserved success opens the door for some other blokes, for on the evidence of this self produced album David Tughan really does deserve a taste. I was immediately reminded of Chet Baker not only because of the light timbre of the voice and the way he phrases the lyric – the short scat interlude on “That Old Feeling” could be the man himself – but by a general feeling of risk and excitement. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the opening track (which may frighten radio programmers to death!) the rarely heard “I Can Do That”, from “Chorus Line”, which comes in at a storming 250+ beats per minute and establishes right from the off that you are in the presence of a really serious rhythm section.

Honestly, pianist Simon Colam, bassist Tom Herbert and drummer Chris Higginbottom swing as hard as anyone that I have heard in ages. On top of all this is the added bonus of Steve Kaldestad’s tenor saxophone which can, “burn” with the best, or be lyricism itself on Berkley square. Perfect track track is the way David handles a tricky up-tempo lyric on Fran Landesman’s “Nothing Like You” followed by thrilling solos by Kaldestad and Colam, with the whole band absolutely flying. The way the album closes, in complete contrast to the opening rocket, with a totally fresh, ‘down’ treatment of “Honeysuckle Rose”, smeary tenor and all, is masterly. A great finish, I would imagine to a live set.

Review: Jazz UK

This self-financed album by new singer on the block David Tughan really is the real deal. Tughan has a light sounding voice that has a way of phrasing a lyric that inevitably recalls Chet Baker, and a willingness to take risks which is miles away from the good- songs-sun-nicely vibe surrounding many of the talented female singers currently around. The rhythm section of Chris Higginbottom (drums), Tom Herbert (Bass) and Simon colam is dynamite, a hard bop ‘Burn’ team that ranks as one of the best in the business. Add the magnificent tenor saxophone of Steve Kaldestad, who is ferocious in the supersonic opening, “I can do that”, Lyrical and tender on, “Berkley Square” and down home bluesy on, “Honeysuckle Rose”, and you have the perfect vocal jazz album. Please check this man out.

Review: Crescendo & Jazz Magazine

Vocalist David Tughan was born in Northern Ireland. He came to London to study acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and graduated in 1997. It was there that he met fellow students Simon Colam (piano), and Tom Herbert (bass) and later Chris Higginbottom (drums) who attended the Royal Academy. The album is most enjoyable, his style is quite individual , to give you an idea I would suggest a cross between Mel Torme and Chet Baker. He is backed by a good quartet with very tasteful piano work by Simon Colam and a talented young Canadian tenor saxophonist, Steve Kaldestad who came to London a couple of years ago.

The title track, Just In Time, is taken at a most unusual, very fast tempo. There is a very good version of A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, the first chorus is just the vocal with bass backing and later an excellent tenor solo by Steve Kaldestad. There are refreshing treatments of mostly familiar compositions. The fact that David had trained as an actor is a big plus. He has perfect diction and excellent interpretation of the lyrics. Certainly a rising star who deserves to be signed by an established recording company.