I’m On My Way
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The vocalist Melinda Rose and pianist Frenchy Romero come together for this first collaborative effort, where Vince Dupont, Matt Wilson and Summer Camargo are in attendance for 10 radiant jazz tunes.
The playful and warm “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off” opens with Rose’s cozy voice alongside Romero’s charming keys and light drumming from Wilson, and “Once Upon a Summertime” follows with meticulous keys and Rose’s Spanish singing amid Latin flavor.
Landing in the middle is the frisky “Don’t Come Back”, where Camargo’s well timed trumpet aligns with Dupont’s meticulous bass plucking, while “I’d Do It Again”, the best track, emits powerful singing and much emotion via the graceful piano and poetic climate.
The last 2 tracks, “You Can Have Him” and “It’s Not You, It’s Me”, don’t disappoint, either. The former is a powerful duo that tells the tale of commitment and attachment, and the latter a fuller, swingin’ good time that’s destined for the dance floor thanks to the infectious energy.
Friends since high school, Rose and Romero illustrate a rare chemistry, and these time honored songs and well thought out originals are certainly worth many listens.
Travels well with: Karen Mack- Catch & Release; Jo Harrop- The Path Of A Tear