By | Published March 2020
For her fourth album, Calabria Foti displays salient storytelling, as well as her competence as a vocalist, violinist and interpreter of classic American music.
The title track, Duke Ellington’s “Prelude To A Kiss,” establishes mood and timbre, but sets the stakes high with an orchestra painting a multitextured and polychromatic landscape where Foti can play. She languorously kibitzes, flavoring her delivery with a Streisand-esque nasality.
The bandleader’s exquisite arrangement of Bill Evans’ “Waltz For Debby” takes a detour along a widening road as guitarist Larry Koonse’s solo shifts tempo. And a duet with guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli on “It’s The Mood That I’m In” proves Foti not only keeps good company, but keeps up with them, too.
“I Had To Fall In Love With You,” which Foti’s father wrote for her mother, arrives with a heartfelt punch that perhaps only a daughter can deliver. The tune’s opening and closing bars overlay a contemporary sound with a refrain ushered in through the phrasing of the piano and guitar. Foti’s voice warms like a blanket and creates space for reflection, honesty and vulnerability.
Her uptempo “Goodbye,” the lone original here, unveils Foti’s ability to compose a gem that highlights her range. And Michael Dees’ “I’m Home” concludes Prelude To A Kiss, showcasing the vocalist’s rich tonality when she reaches down into her lower register and emits a diphthong in “home,” creating a place for you to shelter.
Prelude To A Kiss: Prelude To A Kiss; I Had To Fall In Love With You; On The Street Where You Live; Waltz For Debby; When I Look In Your Eyes; Goodbye; The Man With The Horn; Backyard Medley; The Folks Who Live On The Hill; It’s The Mood That I’m In; I’m Home. (56:17)
Personnel: Calabria Foti, vocals, violin; Roger Kellaway, piano; Trey Henry, bass; Peter Erskine, drums; John Pizzarelli (10), vocals, guitar; Larry Koonse (2, 4, 10), George Doering (6), guitar; Bob McChesney (1, 5, 7), trombone; Luis Conte (2, 6), percussion; Gail Levant, harp; woodwinds; strings.
