The Fantasy Vocal Sessions, Vol. 1 is Mathews' collection of standards from the great American songbook performed in a typical small group jazz setting - a concept that sprouted from his long tenure as pianist/organist for the legendary Queen of Rhythm & Blues, Etta James. The original idea was to capture James in the studio with a stripped-down rhythm section. But due to her decline in health, they were never able to record the sessions. Fast forward nearly a decade and seed of that concept has come to fruition featuring multiple vocalists that Mathews has collaborated with over the years, including rock legend Steve Miller, Maria Muldaur of “Midnight At The Oasis” fame, long-time Santana vocalist Tony Lindsay, Amikaeyla, jazz vocal phenom Kenny Washington, and a host of others.
Saxophonist Wayne de Silva is featured on many tracks, and the rhythm section is anchored by veteran east coast drummer Akira Tana, bassist Peter Barshay, and beloved S.F. Bay Area guitarists Jim Nichols and Carl Lockett.
1 I Want to Talk About You (by David K. Mathews featuring Nicolas Bearde) 5:15
2 Alfie (by David K. Mathews featuring Amikaeyla) 5:33
3 Blue Skies (by David K. Mathews featuring Steve Miller) 5:23
4 Oh Papa (by David K. Mathews featuring Maria Muldaur) 5:39
5 Ruby (by David K. Mathews featuring Glenn Walters) 6:20
6 Smile (by David K. Mathews featuring Nicolas Bearde) 4:30
7 When Sunny Gets Blue (by David K. Mathews featuring Tony Lindsay) 8:08
8 Lover Man (by David K. Mathews featuring Maria Muldaur) 7:46
9 Lush Life (by David K. Mathews featuring Kenny Washington) 5:29
10 The More I See You (by David K. Mathews featuring Frank Jackson) 3:38
11 We'll Be Together Again (by David K. Mathews featuring Reni Simon) 6:59
12 Skylark (by David K. Mathews featuring Glenn Walters) 5:57
13 In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (by David K. Mathews featuring John Laslo) 3:41
