In the ever-evolving realm of music, where genres and trends constantly shift like the tides, Anton Commissaris shines as a steadfast beacon of timeless melody and classic soul. His latest single, “Closer to You,” is a musical voyage that could comfortably nestle among the legends of Frank Sinatra or Stevie Wonder. It encapsulates the story of a resolute man on a mission to capture the heart of a special woman.
Hailing from the serene landscapes of Menlo Park, California, Anton Commissaris crafts a narrative that resonates with those who refuse to surrender their dreams of love. It’s a tale woven from unyielding faith in the potency of love, where determination and patience become the steadfast allies of a heart aflame with desire.
Commissaris masterfully unfurls the essence of his story in the song’s opening lines. “There are many things I’d say and do just to get a little closer to you,” he croons, setting the stage for a narrative of unwavering commitment. Each passing day finds him pondering ways to inscribe himself onto her thoughts, underscoring the profound influence of an unreciprocated affection.
True to his signature style, Commissaris paints his musical canvases with poetic imagery drawn from the splendors of nature. “As the sun sets in the sky of blue, can I come a little closer to you?” he serenades, intricately weaving the beauty of the natural world into the fabric of love. “A lovely day clears a morning’s view, now I’m here a little closer to you,” he continues, drawing the listener into a vivid and evocative setting. “From fields of gold, I hear church bells chime,” he adds, layering further depth onto the romantic tableau.
“Closer to You” thrives on the vibrant rhythm section, deftly navigating a tight R&B medium backbeat that establishes the song’s foundational groove. The lush piano accompaniment infuses the composition with soaring flourishes, harmoniously complemented by soulful guitar interludes. These elements converge to create a rich sonic tapestry against which Commissaris’s velvety and reassuring vocals gracefully unfold.
Crafted in the key of Db major, the song embraces jazz-soul harmonies and a rarity in contemporary music—a bridge featuring a key change (to Eb major). This bridge not only offers a structural diversion from the verses and chorus but also enriches the narrative. Here, we discover that the singer embarks on this quest for love, bearing emotional scars from the past. “Every time I see your face in the mirror… takes me to a better place than where I have been,” he confides, infusing the song with depth and vulnerability.
Enthusiasts of Frank Sinatra, Jose James, and Stevie Wonder will undoubtedly find solace in the retro soul and R&B grooves that Anton Commissaris masterfully incorporates into his compositions. His warm vocal style, steeped in nostalgia, evokes a timeless quality that resonates deeply within the heart.
Anton Commissaris, a music composer, pianist, and singer hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, draws inspiration from illustrious figures like Cole Porter, Antonio Carlos-Jobim, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers. His journey into music composition was ignited by the songs of Lennon-McCartney, setting aflame a passion that has culminated in the release of six EPs featuring 30 songs in less than three years.
Influenced by male vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Donny Hathaway, Anton also holds a deep admiration for female vocalists like Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, and Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Having gracefully transitioned from a successful Silicon Valley career, Anton Commissaris now dedicates his time and energy to the pursuit of musical creativity. His debut EP, ‘On A Bright Note,’ marked the inception of this journey in early 2021, followed by ‘Out of the Blue’ later that same year.
Throughout 2022, Anton continued to expand his musical horizons, weaving elements of Soul, R&B, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into his jazz foundations with the release of ‘Awakening Sounds.’ This genre-spanning exploration continued with ‘Off the Shelf’ in late 2022, featuring country, rock, and Broadway-style tunes.
As we step into 2023, Anton Commissaris has already launched his first EP of the year, ‘Some of the Time,’ in May, with the eagerly anticipated ‘Soul Safari,’ including the enchanting single “Closer to You,” poised for release in October 2023.
“Closer to You” transcends the status of a mere song; it is a timeless serenade—an earnest proclamation of love and unwavering resolve. With his mellifluous voice and consummate storytelling, Anton Commissaris transports us to a realm where romance reigns supreme, reaffirming the enduring and profound power of love in our lives.
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