Calabria Foti Prelude to a Kiss

Calabria Foti
Prelude to a Kiss
Moco Records

For her 4th CD release, vocalist/violinist Calabria Foti recorded with a large orchestra and legendary arrangers on the podium in an iconic Capital Records recording studio. "Prelude To A Kiss" is full of grand, sweeping, orchestrations from celebrated arrangers, including Johnny Mandel, Roger Kellaway, Jeremy Lubbock, Jorge Calandrelli, and Foti’s husband, Bob McChesney (also the producer on the album). There are also and small band swingers featuring a stellar ensemble of musical greats: Roger Kellaway, piano; Trey Henry, bass; Peter Erskine, drums; Larry Koonse, guitar; and Bob McChesney, trombone. Singer-guitarist John Pizzarelli guests on “It’s The Mood That I’m In.”

Ms. Foti says, "This album is so special to me because of all the elements: The mix of glorious standards with the original songs, recording in the studio where so many of my heroes have made history, a most audacious team of musicians, with my husband at the helm and my daughters in the booth as I was singing. I was so emotional! My heart was so full and is full to this day. I hope this music touches your heart and draws you closer to your loved ones."

The album is special in part because of Calabria Foti herself. She has a gorgeous voice along with her delivery with marvelous pitch and tone, along with her nuanced phrasing and flawless diction in singing each word. Matching her melodious voice is the immaculate backing, whether those selections with a full orchestra or with a small, swinging combo. This is evident from the beautiful opening title track where the sweet-sounding and the sensual romanticism of her singing is supported by Bob McChesney's lush arrangement. This selection also is one of two songs with a violin solo along with McChesney's lovely trombone solo. Guitarist Larry Koonse is featured on the bossa nova "I Had To Fall in Love With You," which was arranged by McChesney and Johnny Mandel. Koonse's acoustic guitar solo adds to the charm from Ms. Foti's vocal.

"On the Street Where You Live," is an excellent small group recording with Ms. Foti exchanging fours scatting with Peter Erskine. This is followed by a gorgeous vocal on "Waltz For Debby" with a lovely guitar solo from Koonse. Roger Kellaway wrote the wondrous arrangement for "When I Look In Your Eyes," providing a backdrop for the sensualness of her vocal and McChesney's solo. "Goodbye" is an original from Ms.Foti, not the Gordon Jenkins composition that served as Benny Goodman's theme. It is about leaving someone who she does not want to leave and heartfully sung. Another standout selection is the "Backyard Medley." It is a swinging small group mashup of "Back in Your Backyard," "Give Me the Simple Life," and "The Love Nest," which she arranged. In addition to her superb vocal, Kellaway takes a splendid solo here.

Calabria Foti calls this recording a celebration of "all of love, especially the warmth, tenderness, and feeling of belonging that comes from being with family and loved ones." It is a glorious celebration with her outstanding vocals and the impeccable backing provided. She does not record frequently, but each one of her recordings is a treasure.

I received a review copy from a publicist. Here is the EPK for this recording.

John Pizzarelli Sinatra & Jobim at 50

John Pizzarelli
Sinatra & Jobim at 50
Concord Jazz

John Pizzarelli cites Frank Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim as major influences on his vocals and his latest release commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Grammy Winning collaboration between the two legends. He pays tribute to those recordings on this set with eight tracks being songs that Sinatra and Jobim recorded at a 1969 session along with two originals, and Michael Frank’s ode to Jobim. Among those with Pizzarelli on this recording are Jobim's grandson Daniel, and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, bassist Mike Karn and piano player Helio Alves.

On this recording, both Pizzarelli and Jobim channel the elder Jobim more than Sinatra, who admittedly was understated compared to his usual style on the celebrated recordings. The musical tone on most of these selections is more like Getz-Gilberto than the Claus Ogerman or Eumir Deodato orchestrated sessions. The result is delightful performances in their own lightly swinging fashion including then marvelous "Agua De Beber," as well as the lovely medley of "Meditation / Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars," with Daniel singing the latter number in Portuguese before Pizzarelli sings softly in English along with his soft guitar chording, and the pretty "Dindi." There is also the delightful lightly swaying bossa nova medley of "I Concentrate On You / Wave," with Alves exquisite in his accompaniment and Pizzarelli taking a brief acoustic chordal break. Pizzarelli's father recorded "Two Kites" with the elder Jobim, with Daniel taking the vocal on this remake with a vocal chorus with its celebration of the kites flying in the sky. There is also a wonderful tenor saxophonist on a few selections including Michael Frank's "Antonio's Song."

As indicated this is a delightful recording, full of charm and elegance that might not quite reach the level of the legendary Sinatra-Jobim collaboration, but is enjoyable and laudable with its own considerable merits.

I received my review copy from Concord. Here is a video of "Baubles, Bangles & Beads," from this recording.