‘American Idol’ Alum Casey Abrams Brings A Jazzy Take To A Pop Hit [Video]

On American Idol, Casey Abrams was known for the uncommon appendage of an upright bass and his distinctive, jazzy sound. He came in sixth place in Season 10 and signed on with jazz-oriented record label Concord in 2012. Post-American Idol, Abrams has popped up in some unexpected places, such as onstage opposite fellow Season 10 contestant Haley Reinhart at an L.A. club.

Now he’s joined forces with the folks at the Postmodern Jukebox YouTube channel. Their hook is the reinvention of pop hits in vintage fashion. Abrams took his departure from American Idol even further with this tune, a creative version of “Stacy’s Mom,” which Time said “might be better than the original.” The song was first released in 2003 by Fountains of Wayne. On display is Abrams’ undeniable jazz talent and his ability to wield an upright bass.

The Hollywood Reporter notes Abrams previously worked with Postmodern Jukebox on a remake of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” The choice to record “Stacy’s Mom” was in large part the result of his affection for the tune.

“To be honest it’s one of the only songs I know by heart for some reason. If I really love [a song], I learn it… I figured, let’s combine two things I love which is Fountains of Wayne and jazz.”

Abrams contributed his bass to Reinhart’s release last summer, “Show Me Your Moves.” The pair provided an impromptu performance of the song at the Room 5 lounge in Los Angeles last June, with Reinhart showing off her stellar vocals and Abrams again demonstrating his versatility with the upright bass. The Hollywood Reporter said the good feeling made its way outside the venue for a jam with Mark Ballas of Dancing with the Stars. THR said the sidewalk performance was a bit of a “tradition” for Reinhart and Abrams when they are at Room 5.

American Idol is kicking off a new season on January 7. In an unprecedented move, Idol released an ensemble video of the new season’s top 24, before the opening auditions have even aired. The video is somewhat of a tease since the contestant’s faces are in shadow and only their voices are heard. It provides fans of Idol with fodder to weigh in early on the strength of this year’s candidate pool.

Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr. are back for the new season, as is long-time host Ryan Seacrest. This will be the first season without Randy Jackson, who left the judges’ table last year to take on a mentorship role. In the upcoming season Scott Borchetta will act as mentor.

American Idol airs on Fox.

[Image: YouTube]