MUSICAL NOTES

Written by Esther Callens

Award winning jazz recording artist Denise Donatelli has returned with a marvelous new compilation.  Under the musical direction of Geoffrey Keezer through Savant Records is Soul Shadows, Donatelli’s latest project. Presenting, yet again, Denise’s amazing vocals, Soul Shadows offerings quite a marvelous jazz collection.

The set opens with Denise delivering a fantastic interpretation of “All Or Nothing At All.”  It is a wonderful song and Denise’s sensual vocals makes it all the better. The title track is an excellent mid-tempo melody that Denise’s vocals add a spark to. “Another Day” is a fun, whimsical tune with a snappy rhythm.  This, Denise pulls off effortlessly. “Too Late Now” is the perfect marriage of vocals, arrangements and music. It is flawless. Denise Donatelli is a Grammy nominated jazz vocalist as her 2010 release, When Lights Are Low received two Grammy nominations (Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist). Her vocals have been heard in numerous mediums such as The Simpsons, Turner Classic Movies, Frasier, Hyundai, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, CNN and others.  She has phenomenal vocals with faultless pitch as she can sing anything. Recently, she was honored by receiving the Los Angeles Jazz Society 2012 Jazz Vocalist of the Year award. Soul Shadows is her fourth album.