Here’s a singer that is unjustly under the radar. Denise Donatelli simply does everything right. Even better, her taste in material is immaculate. Her first record was of standards, but since then, while still including a well known tune here and there (as on an inviting “All Or Nothing At All” here), she ever so wisely veers towards more obscure pieces such as Stings’s & Christian McBride’s “When I Looked Again,” and gives it a warm ember of a glow. Even more intriguing is her take of Wayne Shorter’s “A Promise” that has an almost folk feel to it with the working team of Geoffrey Keezer/p, Peter Sprague/g Carlitos del Puerto/b and Alex Acuna/per being supplemented by a gentle string quartet. The Keezer arrangements on all of the songs are thoughtful and intriguing, as well as the tunes with backing vocals by Yutaka Yokokura on “Postcards and Messages” and the title track. A closing duet with Keezer on “Too Late Now” reveals all you need to know about this lady, as her warm heart is dangling on her sleeve here. If you want something besides Krall and Monheit, give this lady a listen. You won’t be disappointed.
She’s going to be at Vitello’s Oct 12 & 13. You don’t want to miss this one. Check it out at www.vitellosrestaurant.com
Savant Records
www.jazzdepot.com
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