Ladies and song…
Suzanna Ross is clear and casual, teaming up with Gregory Torcian/p-arr, Skp Ward/b and David Silliman/dr for a mix of movie themes and French chasson. She’s delicate and bohemian on the latter on “Ces Petits Riens” and “Parelez-Moie De Luil” while floating richly on Tom Jobim’s 
“Dreamer” for a bit of bossa from Brazil. Most clever is the creamy take of Kenny Rankin’s “Haven’t We Met”, a cute read of the TV show “ Bewitched” and a poppish boomer tune out of the closet on “There’s A Kind Of Hush”. Clever in spades.
Vocals come in threes with the ladies Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner 
and Melissa Stylianou serving up a mix of the Boswell Sisters and The Andrews Sisters on this harmonic paradise. The supporting cast of Michael Cabe/p, Jesse Lewis/g, Matt Aronoff/b and Jared Schonig mix up shuffling swing on “(We) Love Being Here With You” as well as kitschy Schving on a klezmeric “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen”. Between vocal patter and dialogue on this entertaining gig at the Jazz Standard, the ladies give hot cha takes of “A Little Jive Is Good For You” and “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” as well as whipping out the old kazoo for “Three Little Sisters”. They keep the evening fun on “It’s AMman” and funky on “Swing Brother Swing”. Classy and clever.
Vocalist, composer and arranger Denise Mangiardi creates a mix of songs ranging from folksy to original that include orchestra or intimate indie tones on this ambitious release. Two “Soundscape” pieces bookend the album, with dreamy synth and string sounds somewhat like a movie soundtrack. Abstract modern pop on the title piece, a rockish “Red Bouquet” and slinky and blue “Day Time Kind Of Girl” create settings for her earnest voice, while she pleads on the dramatic “The Exchange” while ethereal on the dreamy “Waves”. All the while you feel like you are part of a Dave Barry recording, with added voices and direction.
Joyce Grant looks good dressed in blue as she gets indigo’d with Douglas McKeehan/p-key, Marc Levin/b, Tony Malfatti/sax, Bill Belasco-Bret Cosby-Jack Dorsey/dr, Matt Eakle/fl and Jeff O’Sammon/g on a mix of standards and originals. She gives a great gospel reading of The Beatles’ “Help” with some hefty tenor support by Malfatti, and skates to McKeehan’s piano on a deft “Tenderly”. A funky read of “Back Home In Indiana” is a real treat and she is expressive on “Cry Me A River”. A peppy “Green Samba” includes lovely flute work by Eakle while Malfatti’s tenor is tough on a soulful “Surrounded By Blue”. Muscular and toned.
Clairdee delivers an intriguing tribute to icon Lena Horne, with vocal vignettes between songs that are associated with the famed lady of song and film. Her core team of Jon Herbst/p-key, Ron Belcher/b, Deszon Dlaiborne/dr, John Joy/g, Mario Guarneri/tp, Charles McNeal/ts and a string section is supplemented by guest vocalists and narrators, describing the struggle Ms. Horne had during a time of segregation with a true glass ceiling in film, recording and touring. Regina Carter guests on a wondrous “ “ Something To Live For” with Clairdee in a gospel mood for “I Got A Name” and the stark “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child”. This album makes you yearn for a movie to accompany the story and songs.