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Into My Heart
Adrielle Music
Born in Detroit, Jeannine Otis is a vocalist, educator, actress, and author living on Staten Island, NY. She was born in a musical family. Her mother was musical director for several Detroit area churches, and she was a cousin to the Thad, Hank, and Elvin Jones. Currently, she is the music director for St. Mark's Church in Greenwich Village. On this recording, she is supported by Stanley Banks on bass, Sam Jacobs on congas, Saul Rubin and Jimmy Ponzi on guitar, Stanton Davis on trumpet, and Johnathan Sherry on piano. Also contributing are Frank Koopman and Onaje Allen Gumbs. Otis wrote several songs while interpreting songs from Betty Shirley, Duke Ellington, Onaje Allen Gumbs, and others.
Otis has a soft, at times whispering, delivery with a touch of vibrato and a relaxed, fluid phrasing. She also has a penchant for Brazilian music, as reflected on the opening "Mod Is For Lovin'" with Ponzi's attractive acoustic guitar and Davis' melodious trumpet. "Touch Me Tonight" is an original torch song she composed.
Guitarist Saul Rubin plays all the instruments behind Otis' world-weary vocal (and backing vocals) on "Sweet Sad Guitar" and Betty Shirley's delightful "Cokika." Rubin adds exquisite guitar to Otis' intimate rendition of "Lover Man" and her appealing interpretation of "In a Sentimental Mood." Onaje Allen Gumbs wrote and arranged "Joy For Life" and "Into My Heart," both with a dreamy, soothing backing, including smooth soprano sax, for her vocals.
Jeannine Otis sings with a charming appeal and capably supported on an intriguing recording.
I received my review copy from a publicist.
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