With smooth songs and laid-back tones evocative of a late-night jazz lounge, Carl Riseley's brilliant second album is a huge milestone for the young singer/trumpeter from Queensland.
Surrounding himself with a star-studded quartet, which includes pianist Bill Risby and guitarist James Muller, Carl has made an album that's both striking and confident – just like the performer himself. Expertly blending the sounds of yesteryear with fresh jazz for today, The Stillest Hour superbly highlights just how much he's grown since releasing his debut in 2008 – and nobody knows this more than the Idol graduate himself. "I have become more confident, and doors have opened musically for me ... Onstage I've become used to being the focal point, not one of the band."
With a mix of covers, including My Funny Valentine and Norah Jones' hit Come Away With Me, as well as Carl's brand new track The Way You Are Tonight, this really is the performer's finest hour.