Breaking into the jazz scene—at a local or national level--is not an easy task for anyone. For Tommy Bruce, add to the challenge that he is starting out at an age (late 50s) when many are considering less taxing second careers or early retirement. Further, consider the expectations that are likely to follow the brother of three professional musicians (the late, nationally acclaimed jazz singer Roberta Davis, New York jazz vocalist Myrna Lake, and Latin guitarist Eddie "Baba" Bruce) and uncle of Moore By Four's Yolanda Bruce. Yet, if his first recording, Limerence (Ovumusic), is any indication, Tommy Bruce is up to the challenge.

Although surrounded by music as a child growing up in St. Paul, Bruce remembers some frustration that his family considered him too young to participate in the musical training offered to his older siblings. Later his sister Myrna introduced him to her voice teacher and he started lessons. Although one thing didn't lead to another, he did have a brief opportunity to work with Diana Ross in Las Vegas.

Despite encouragement and a burning desire to pursue music "all my life," Tommy started singing seriously only a year ago. His opportunity and audience came on Friday nights at Three Fish, a restaurant known for seafood, not cabaret, but conveniently located a couple doors down from his "day job" at Salon Intrigue. As this recording reflects, Tommy's playlist is not the usual barfare of aural wallpaper or pop glitz, but sophisticated jazz repertoire, including the seldom heard vocals of "Speak Low" and "Alone Together"; stunning renditions of "My Ship," "Am I Blue?", "I Love Being Here With You," and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most"; and fresh readings of "My Funny Valentine," "Autumn in New York," and "Love for Sale."

Steve Hegman provides swinging piano accompaniment throughout, while producer/engineer Jeff Taylor (madjef Productions) adds other instrumentation that at times competes with, rather than complements, the vocalist. In particular, the sound balance itself is somewhat uneven, perhaps reflecting the post-production additional arrangements on some tracks and a mix too far in favor of the piano and phantom orchestra. This is a relatively short recording (little over a half hour), an intimate set with a passionate voice that pulls in the listener, but the arrangements at times (e.g., on "My Funny Valentine," "Alone Together") only serve to break up that relationship. Artists learn a lot from their first efforts and this experience should serve Tommy well on his next outing—when he hopefully will take more control of the production and ensure that it is his voice that is out front, where it belongs, with arrangements that enhance the warm glow that is at the heart of Limerence.

Overall, and production quibbles aside, this is a successful debut for a promising talent ripe for growth and a wider audience. Distinct echoes of Chet Baker shine through Tommy's rich and soul-rending tenor, surrounding the listener with an intimate vibe (e.g., "Limerence--that feeling of being in love") reminiscent of the days when timbre and nuance were hallmarks of vocal jazz.

Sometimes, the best does come to those who wait.

Tommy Bruce can be heard live on Saturday nights (8:00 pm) at Three Fish in Minneapolis (3070 Excelsior Blvd; 612-920-2800). Limerence is available at the Electric Fetus (www.efetus.com), Borders in downtown Minneapolis, and online from Amazon (www.amazon.com) and Music Match (www.musicmatch.com). For more information about Tommy Bruce, see his website at www.tommyjazz.com