MUSICIANS:
Jeff Oster: vocals, Peter Welker: arranger and flugelhorn, David K. Mathews: piano, Mark Levine: piano, Randy Vincent: electric and acoustic guitar, Chris Amberger: acoustic bass, Kevin Dillon: drums, Celso Alberti: drums and percussion, Bill Watrous: trombone, Scott Whitfield: trombone, Doug Morton: trumpet and flugelhorn, Andrew Speight: alto sax and alto flute, Rob Roth: tenor sax, Scott Petersen: baritone sax, Doug Rowan: baritone sax, Jeremy Cohen: violin, Doug Harmon: cello

Review
DETOUR AHEAD, The Oster-Welker Jazz Alliance featuring Jeff Oster, vocals. Just when you get that nagging feeling that the male jazz singer is becoming a threatened species, along comes Oster to give you renewed hope! On this most welcome follow-up to last year's "Shining Hour," Oster and co-leader, trumpet ace and arranger Peter Welker, once again team up to bring us a set of standard, straight ahead, no-frills music. Oster is one of those fortunate cats who gets to revel in the invigorating sounds of Welker's big (but understated) band. In a featured role are two shining lights on trombone in Bill Watrous and Scott Whitfield. Most of the other names in the band are new to me; probably younger cats on the SoCal scene, but fine players all. And Oster plays it straight as well, with solid interpretations and a bit of scat when needed on such faves as "Invitation," "Never Let Me Go," "Gentle Rain," "A Beautiful Friendship," "A Weaver Of Dreams," "All Through The Night," and the title tune. So settle into your favorite easy chair and enjoy a distinctive new voice. Thanks, Jeff, Peter and pals for "keeping it going."

- George Fendel, THE JAZZ SOCIETY OF OREGON: 8/18/20106