“There is a distinct Streisand-esque resonance about Donatelli, particularly on her creamy “Why Did I Choose You?” and a nicely underplayed “Don´t Explain.” But there is also a subtle sandiness that underscores Donatelli´s voice, making it more arresting. And her choices, both in terms of material and interpretation, tend to be bolder and more interesting.”

No “Vanity” Here: Jackie Ryan, Denise Donatelli, Lisa Sokolov, Kat Edmonson

“Donatelli is in the band, not with the band or singing in front of the band. She doesn’t sing songs as much as she shapes them, with a big-as-all-outdoors range that is another brush for Keezer to paint with. Every piece she touches has the confidence of someone who’s making an initial, defining statement. Combined with Keezer’s acumen as a producer and arranger, that makes for one glorious date.” …more

“Why Did I Choose You?” is a USA Today Pick of the Week! “Singer and standard are well matched on this breezily poignant track from Donatelli’s When Lights Are Low.”

When Lights Are Low — Savant Records

“West Coast-based jazz vocalist Denise Donatelli says she was influenced more by instrumentalists than singers. She continues to work her craft magnificently on her latest recording When Lights Are Low. This package is a pleasing listening experience from an artist who knows how to deliver a lyric.”

When Lights Are Low — Critics Picks for 2010

When Lights Are Low is in Andrew Gilbert’s 10 Favorite New Jazz Recordings of 2010

“Denise Donatelli triumphs (with arrangements by Geoffrey Keezer)!

Denise Donatelli is a true contender for jazz female vocalist of the year.

Some Jazz Grammy Nominations

I raved about Denise Donatelli in Financial Mail (July, 2009). She now has a new CD out on Savant named When Lights are Low, which as garnered two Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist for Geoffrey Keezer’s arrangement of “Don’t Explain.”  Donatelli and Keezer fit together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

The album kicks off with a swinger “It’s You or No One”  Her first chorus is pretty straight and then her lead in to the second chorus is a subtle lesson in vocal phrasing. Keezer’s piano solo is brilliant.  The ending of piano punctuations over the solid drumming of Jon Wikan, and then the vocal is stunning.

“Don’t Explain” has strings smoothly moving, like water slowly flowing over a waterfall, darkly swirling under a heartfelt vocal or offering a blanket underneath a thoughtful flugelhorn solo from Ingrid Jensen. “When Lights are Low” is taken at a relaxed walking tempo. It’s interesting hearing Donatelli singing the background to Ron Blake’s tenor solo. Sting’s “Big Lie, Small World” is given a bossa nova rhythm and vocal choir background, while “Why Did I choose You?” is a duo of piano and vocal. Keezer proves he’s a superb accompanist on this beautiful song with outstanding lyrics and handled with the vocal aplomb it deserves. Have the tissue box close at hand. “The Telephone Song” has Donatelli backed by Peter Sprague on nylon stringed guitar and Wikan playing pander laying down a fast bossa beat. Sprague gets to spread out on electric guitar on Cedar Walton’s “Enchantment (Firm Roots)” and Keezer provides another exciting piano solo, and soaring over the whole thing is the supreme voice land phrasing of Donatelli.

Vocal CD of the Month Denise Donatelli: “When Lights Are Low” (Savant) 2010

“A superb singer — gifted with a warm voice, wonderful tone, unlimited creativity of phrasing — backed by great musicians, performing a top-class repertoire magnificently arranged by producer/musical director/pianist Geoffrey Keezer. Who could ask for more?”