review of Robert Bannon's Debut CD

Singer/actor Robert Bannon will be releasing his debut album Unfinished Business on July 2 with a live concert streaming all weekend. After that, he will be touring the country, including a stop at Feinstein's at Vitello's in Studio City, CA on July 21.

Nowadays it is a major accomplishment in the recording industry to release your own project. Bannon has put Unfinished Business in the TLC hands of Lml Music, owned and operated by great pop singer Lee Lessack.

Unfinished Business was produced during the pandemic utilizing virtual techniques to protect the safety of each musician performing from his own house... with a professionalism, I might add, that is second to none. Guests include the incomparable Jane Monheit, who duets beautifully with Bannon on "How Deep Is the Ocean", and Loren Smith who adds just the right touch of soul in an R & B medley.

When I first interviewed Bannon in February 2020 before the onslaught of the pandemic, he told me he would be concentrating on music from the American Songbook, but this finished product offers a greater range of music displaying Bannon's rich versatility as a singer. He has sought out various eclectic pop and rock songs and styles one would not readily expect on a debut album.

Highlights include "All of Me", "From a Distance" reaching out to the community at large in a bold yet gentle way. We can feel the need of people needing people and coming together. There is a two song medley of "What Kind of Fool Am I?" and "Who Can I Turn to?", again showing a tremendous emotional need and performed with an earthy forthright delivery. "What'll I do" in tandem with "Once Before I Go" ensures a provocative finale where love plays in strongly. and an enphasis on love with "Look of Love" and "This Guy's in Love".

"When October Goes" is a favorite of mine because it displays a deep understanding of life, and Bannon's sensational rendition makes you enjoy the moment as well as reflect on the human condition..

"I Think He Knew Me" is a telling story about a father and son. It is written by musician Matt Gould at the keyboard and Griffin Matthews. Another in depth study of relationships and an astounding performance of it by Bannon!

Overall, I would highly recommend this album for its variety and for Bannon ...  who shows just how engaging he can be. I have always thought that actors make the best singers, as they give 110%. Keep that in mind as you listen to Robert Bannon!