Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Calabria Foti: In the Still of the Night
Calabria Foti: In the Still of the Night
ByLaunching into things with a marvelous Latin-tinged send-up of "Just One of Those Things," we get the immediate idea that this run-through of Porter's material11 of his greatest from Broadway and Hollywood -is going to be a fine and unique ride. Whether it is a "fabluelous" send up of "Miss Otis Regrets" or any of the rest, the selections here are delivered with an elegantly restrained texture that's spearheaded by Foti's marvelously versatile and in-command chops.
While Foti's voice is pitch-perfect and liquid gold, the keen thing about her effort stylistically is her extraordinary rhythmic and dynamic sense and the manner in which she plays with the beat ("Anything Goes," "Night and Day"). A careful listen yields an almost Chet Baker-esque approach to time. Key words in each lyric line are subtlely emphasized and de-emphasized with an instrumentalist's flair ("What is This Thing Called Love," "Every Time We Say Goodbye"with neat cello quotes of "Goodbye" and "My One and Only Love" -and "Get Out of Town"). There's no saccharine served at this table. That's no surprise, since Foti is a heralded violinist, as well as a premier chanteuse. Ever get that sense you're experiencing a memorable musical candlelight dinner conversation? You will here. ("I Concentrate on You," "In the Still of the Night"). It's luscious stuff.
The ensemble on the sessionall crème and superb throughoutincludes producer/arranger pianist Michael Patterson (an outstanding job), guitarist Gene Bertoncini, bassist Ike Sturm, cellist Richard Locker, and drummer Jared Schonig. Cameos across the date by clarinetist Eddie Daniels and trombonist Bob McChesney add savory fill material always in perfect synch with what's going on. There's no stepping on heels in this dance.
In the Still of the Night is certainly a fine addition to those aforementioned classic Songbook albums of the Greats and one that entices and enthralls with sublime taste. It is indeed the genuine turtle soup.
Track Listing
Just One of Those Things; Miss Otis Regrets; Anything Goes; What Is This Thing Called Love?; Night and Day; I Concentrate on You; Every Time We Say Goodbye; Get Out of Town; It's All Right With Me; So In Love; In the Still of the Night.
Personnel
Calabria Foti
vocalsCalabria Foti: vocals; Michael Patterson: piano; Eddie Daniels: clarinet; Gene Bertoncini: guitar; Richard Locker: cello; Bob McChesney: trombone; Ike Sturm: bass; Jared Schonig: drums.
Album information
Title: In the Still of the Night | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: MoCo Records