Jazz Times

Written by Nick Mondello

There’s absolutely nothing shadowy but plenty sublime in Denise Donatelli’s latest recording, Soul Shadows. Collaborating again with – and highly energized by – the savvy musical direction and keyboard brilliance of Geoffrey Keezer, Donatelli, whose prior effort When Lights are Low was Grammy®-nominated, nails it deep.

Avoiding resting on their laurels and much to this tandem’s credit, Donatelli’s repertoire here is one of significant stretch. The ten selections, somewhat more Latin-tinged than not, showcase Donatelli’s melt-marvelous voice and her ability to deliver more sophisticated lyric, melodic and rhythmic material when bar is raised. Making that artistic challenge sound effortless is Donatelli’s abundant gift to the listener. The overall result is highly enjoyable and is a validation of Donatelli’s incredible breadth of talent.

There’s less straight ahead swing in this effort than in “When Lights Are Low,” with the artists favoring more experimentation in tonal and rhythmic textures. A lesser talent probably wouldn’t take up the challenge of the highly diverse rhythmic settings in which Donatelli places herself – and thrives. Hers is perfect vocal instrument – emotionally evocative, yet not saccharine or overly melodramatic. Near-perfect diction and a wrapping-her-arms-around-the-lyric approach both provide significant potency and elegance. Donatelli is so distinctively vocally talented here, she could probably sing the Periodic Table of the Elements and make it sound glorious.

Much can and should be said about wunderkind Keezer. As a pianist, his lengthy improvisation runs and tasteful touch show he’s got the technical chops to hang with the Tyners and Jarretts of the jazz world. As an arranger and musical director, Keezer has shrewdly framed Donatelli with material (and superb rhythm section) that certainly challenges and brings out her best. These two are truly connected at the “hip.”

Whether Soul Shadows will nab this duo another Grammy nomination is a card yet to be drawn from the deck. However, don’t bet the farm against it.