Casey Abrams

Released in 2012 following his successful run on American Idol, Casey Abrams' self-titled debut is a deliberate fusion of vocal jazz and contemporary pop. Recorded over six weeks at Kensaltown Studios in London and executive produced by Randy Jackson, the album represents Abrams' transition from reality TV contestant to a credible recording artist. Eschewing the typical over-produced pop path, Abrams opted for what he termed 'organic focal' music, emphasizing live instrumentation and natural vocal takes. The recording process was famously informal; Abrams recorded much of the album while sitting on a couch, allowing ambient city noises to seep into the tracks, which contributes to the record's intimate, 'analog' atmosphere. While the album leans into pop structures, tracks like 'Dry Spell' (featuring Jamie Cullum) and the Haley Reinhart duet on 'Hit the Road Jack' maintain his jazz roots. Critics praised the album for its contemporary relevance and Abrams' technical proficiency on the double bass.