Jim Averitt | Cooking with Love

Published: October 2, 2011

Gallatin Gateway singer/guitarist Jim Averitt has a new CD that's a country/pop mix of romantic and bittersweet songs, written mostly by him.

Averitt has a relaxing baritone voice, and writes conversational lyrics. The superb backing of the Abiders, the touring band of film star Jeff Bridges, complements his new CD. Band members include producer Randy Tico, vocals, bass, piano and percussion; Tom Lackner, drums; Chris Pelouis, electric guitar and vocals; and Bill Flores on everything else except piano and keys. Female vocalists and pianist Rique Pantoja round out the group in a lushly produced format.

From the get-go Averitt pleads with his lover in "Say You Love Me," a duet featuring the rich voice of Cara Tower. Nice guitar opens another duet, the country-flavored "Everybody Needs," with its cool harmony hook and shared vocals of Jonee DiGiorgio.

The title tune sports rockin' saxes and a reggae rhythm to go with its lyrics of love + food = mighty fine! This catchy tune is sung with Lois Mahalia.

"Justyn's Song" is a whispery bossa-nova instrumental with a bit of vocal scatting. Ahhh. I feel a palm tree swaying!

Next we get a finger-snappin' jazzy blues, replete with clarinet, in "I Can't Wait Until Saturday Night." A good dancer.

There's more in this follow-up to Averitt's last recording, Music Is Magic. Visit him at www.jimaveritt.com.

– Mariss McTucker