Lovely women in voice…
Singing and playing violin, Calabria Foti is creating a catalog of Julie London-inspired mood-to-be-wooed albums, and she’s got the feeling down pat. Along with husband Bob McChesney on trombone, the rich supporting orchestra is supplemented by some of LA’s finest, including Roger Kellaway/p, trey Henry/b, Peter Erskine/dr, Larry Koonse/g and even has a cameo by fellow crooner John Pizzarelli.
Her duet with The Pizza Man delivers a bluesy “It’s The Mood That I’m In” augmented by her own rich violin charms, while she is patient and rich with hubby on the title pieces. The orchestrations set a palpably warm tone for the samba’d “I Had To Fall In Love With You” and the modern pop sounds of “Goodbye” with the trio format allowing her to show her confidence during “On The Street Where You Live.” This lady knows how to pack heat.
Usually known for her soft and lyrical delivery, vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia muscles up before teaming up with some jazzers from the UK on this assertive session. She also includes some stateside support from Carey Frank/B3, John Leftwich/synth, Brad Dutz/perc and John Leftwich/b, but artists from the eastern side of the pond include Ian Thomas/dr, Simon Gardner/tp, Andy MacIntosh/sax, Paul Morgan/b and guest Norma WInstone on vocals
The duet with Norman is a chimey delight, while Segal-Garcia gives a gospel feel to the humming church Hammond on the classic “Sermonette.” Sassy brass teams well on the shuffling “Wheelers and Dealers” and she gets husky for “Gypsy In My Soul” and her own bopping “Song 4 Sandy.” The album has a live feel to it, and the tunes all have a visceral quality that make your ears perk up.
Marsha Bertenetti has a well controlled voice as she gives a dash of Broadway and pop to jazz standards. A mix of orchestration by Stephan Oberhoff and the vocalist mixes with strings and small group arrangements for a collection of atmospheres. Lush support works well for her on “The Very Thought Of You” and she gets soulful on “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most” as she gets folksy on “Fragile.” Rich chamber moods have her tell a story on “I Know You By Heart” and she gets reflective on an intimate “Nature Boy.” Uptown club moods.