Not Quite Yet
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The Chicago jazz vocalist Paul Marinaro brings us a listen that revolves around themes of love, life and connection for these 14 diverse and rich tunes that welcome the core band of Mike Allemana (guitar), Tom Vaitsas (piano), John Tate (bass) and George Fludas (drums), plus many players on brass, winds and strings.
“Born To Be Blue” starts the listen with warm keys and bright horns in 6/8 time, as Marinaro’s silky smooth pipes guide the timeless Mel Tormé tune, and “Someone To Light Up My Life” follows with stirring strings from the KAIA String Quartet for the absorbing Jobim original.
Near to the middle, the soulful brass and swing flavor of “No One Ever Tells You” showcases Marinaro’s very adaptable pipes amid the strong sax playing from Chris Madsen and Greg Ward, while “This Island” brings back the strings for a very intimate and romantic spirit.
Near to the end, “That’s All” showcases Rajiv Halim’s fluid clarinet playing in the poetic and emotive album highlight, and “No Plan”, a David Bowie original, exits with plenty of atmosphere present and appreciated in the haunting finish.
A very honest and personal body of work, Marinaro’s commanding voice and the musician’s very skilled instruments give each track here a profound demeanor and universally relatable mood to reside in.
Travels well with: Roberta Donnay- Blossom-ing!; Eric Jacobson- Discover