Roseanna Vitro - Listen Here

Roseanna Vitro - Listen Here - Skyline Records

"Listen Here" reissues Roseanna Vitro's 1984 album that launched her remarkable recording career. Vitro has been one of the most notable jazz vocalists in her over a 35-year career with dynamism in her performances. Her clear diction, pitch, the dynamics of her horn-like phrasing, and expressiveness have engrossed audiences over this time. On this recording, Vitro was handsomely backed by a superb rhythm section; pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer Ben Riley. Arnett Cobb adds his tenor sax on three selections, Bliss Rodriguez replaces Barron on one track, Scot Hardy is on guitar for one selection, and Duduka Fonseca adds percussion for two.

This was a remarkable session starting with the sterling opening rendition of the Bossa Nova standard "No More Blues." She captures the listener immediately. On an album of exquisitely rendered classic songs, a few tracks stand out, such as her rendition of Ellington's "Love You Madly." Her horn-like singing and scatting are matched by Cobb's tenor sax and Barron's superlative solo. "Centerpiece," with just Rodriguez and Cobb accompanying her, also stands out with Cobb's outstanding tenor sax complementing her superb singing. Then there is the supple support of the longing she expresses in "A Time For Love." This song is followed by the joyfulness exhibited on "This Happy Madness," the reflective performance of the title track, and the jubilant swing of "It Could Happen to You," with yet another stellar Cobb solo.

Steve Allen wrote the liner notes that are reprinted on this reissue. "Is Roseanna Vitro a jazz singer? Yes, but no means only that. Her voice, the basic sound, is lovely, her diction clean. Though she sings and phrases with experienced authority, there is something charmingly girlish and feminine in the sound, long may it wave." Allen's 35-year old words ring true still today as she continues to enthrall us with her live performances and recordings. Thirty-five years after its initial release, "Listen Here" sounds fresh and vital, and its rerelease is most welcome.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is a recent video of Roseanna Vitro performing.