Prelude To A Kiss
Moco, 2019
8/10
Violinist and singer Calabria Foti made her 4th album quite an exceptional one, as she brings in an orchestra and many arrangers for an effort that parallels the timelessness of her idols Sinatra and Garland.
The title track starts the listen with sweeping beauty as strings and trombone support the gorgeous vocals, and “I Had To Fall In Love With You” follows with a romantic mood as a flowing guitar solo from Larry Koonse adds much to the setting.
Near the middle, “When I Look In Your Eyes” uses strategic keys in the vocally expressive tune, while “Goodbye” gets playful with guitars and percussion working elegantly together.
Deeper cuts bring us the cautious “The Folks Who Live On The Hill”, which displays a lounge feeling, and “It’s The Mood That I’m In” emits a radiant, timeless jazz quality. “I’m Home” exits the listen with an emotive delivery from Foti as her flawless pipes keep us enthralled and hanging on every note.
Foti is in great company here as Peter Erskine, Bob McChesney and Roger Kellaway, among others, help illuminate these thoughtful songs you won’t forget anytime soon.
Travels well with: Anne Phillips- Live At The Jazz Bakery; Jelena Jovovic- Heartbeat