Wilford Brimley with the Jeff Hamilton Trio

This shows up, and I check with my editor to see if he wants the review for LEO's Fake Issue. No, it’s real, was the reply. Well, the Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole estates probably don’t have to worry about this release cutting into their sales figures, but actor Wilfred Brimley is pleasant in his own right. It doesn’t hurt that drummer Jeff Hamilton’s longstanding trio (with pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Christoph Luty) brings more than a decade’s worth of experience. Brimley’s low voice embraces the American Songbook with understated grace, and his affable persona is captured well on songs such as opening swinger “I Wish You Love” and the optimistic “Pick Yourself Up.” Bill Evans’ “Waltz for Debby” is an unexpected surprise, with Brimley’s avuncular delivery adding warmth to Gene Lees’ sweet lyrics.