Denise Donatelli: What Lies Within

By Keith Hannaleck

  • Artist: Denise Donatelli
  • Title: What Lies Within
  • Genre: Vocal Jazz
  • Label: Savant Records
  • Website: www.denisedonatelli.com

A vocalist like Denise Donatelli leaves a lasting impression. On her recent release What Lies Within, she impresses as a polished and sophisticated veteran with the wherewithal and presence to stand tall alongside all of her more well known major label contemporaries. Diana Schurr comes to mind amongst others. Her label Savant Records, while not a household name like Concord or Verve, certainly has an opportunity capitalize on their popularity with a strong artist like Denise recording for them.

Denise is more than a confident alto, she bubbles over with effervescence whilst taking on the demanding phrasing in every track as if it was a relaxing walk down the street. The superb, albeit difficult arrangements by pianist Geoff Keezer, an accomplished soloist in his own right, are clearly defined and well suited for the smooth and inviting range of Ms. Donatelli.

I can picture Denise singing in a swanky nightclub as James Bond confidently saunters up to the bar to order his ‘shaken not stirred” martini. In the same instance, her versatility is the greatest asset at her disposal and it allows her to shape and mold her lyrical strengths to fit each arrangement brilliantly.

The strong and colorful musical accompaniment is provided by standouts Bob Sheppard (sax, flute), Carl Saunders (trumpet, flugelhorn), Geoffrey Keezer (all arrangements, piano, vibraphone, marimba), Carlos Del Rosario (organ, tuned Viennese Gong), Peter Sprague (guitar), Hamilton Price (bass), Marvin “smitty” Smith (drums), Alex Acuna (percussion) and Giovanna Clayton (cello). This detailed roll call is essential to include as their contributions are significant and the voice of Denise would have not found its way home without the excellent musicianship throughout this exceptional CD.

Every track is a gem with certain significance, each being a standalone tribute to the vocalist and her band. There is no coincidence that the recording opens with “My Shining Hour” because the lady lets the discriminating jazz listener know from the outset that this is exactly what the next several minutes of music are going to provide. This is time for a budding star to take center stage, shine, and grab your undivided attention and offer up a performance, you will never forget.

Reviewed - October 24, 2008

Tracks:

  • My Shining Hour
  • Sails (Velas Icadas)
  • Crystal Silence
  • I Love It When You Dance That Way
  • We'll Be Together Again
  • Like an Old Song
  • Beloved (Daahoud)
  • Four Walls
  • Be Cool
  • Make This City Ours Tonight
  • This Lament

Purchase this CD

About the Author:

Keith Hannaleck, known as “MuzikMan” is a Journalist specializing in independent and major music reviews and the promotion of artists via the various media outlets flourishing online. He has worked closely with artists, management, publicity directors, and webmasters to provide some of the best and far-reaching coverage an artist could have. Focusing primarily on the internet as a medium for his work, Keith has been a pioneer in the industry changing the way a reviewer with his various talents are used by many artists, PR folks, and labels. He has provided strong and valuable work to labels, artists, and publicity people, writing reviews, press releases, and biographies and much more over the years, giving the people he works with the maximum amount of exposure through several top-notch websites that post his content on their sites.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck - www.muzikreviews.com.