Album Review: And So It Begins from Lois Bruno

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Album:  And So It Begins
Artist:  Lois Bruno
Label: Wise Cat Records
Website:  www.wisecatrecords.com

Perhaps a part of the new generation of Las Vegas strip's Starlight Lounge vocalists and Manhattan's haughty Cafe Society icons, chanteuse Lois Bruno enchants, engrosses, and whisks listeners away with her rendition of popular jazz standards from the Great American Songbook on her latest release And So It Begins.  Supported by saxophonist Kenny Shanker, pianist Mike Eckroth, bassist Yoshi Waki, and drummer Brian Fishler, Bruno captivates audiences with her special brand of feminine touch.

Her remastering of Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart's monumental novelty "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" accentuates the lush resonance in her vocals.  Equally spellbinding is her treatment of Johnny Christopher, Mark James, and Wayne Carson's popular single "Always on My Mind" as she places poignant pauses along the verses that intensify the lamenting feelings expressed in the lyrics. 

The bopping beats of Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer's classic gem "That Old Black Magic" propel the swinging stride of her vocals.  Traversing forward, the bluesy timbres in her register are beautifully showcased in Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse's treasure "Feeling Good," etching comely swells that placard a soulful vibe.  Her interpretation of Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart's signature favorite "My Romance" varies from the beaten path, bolstered by jostling beats and frolicking keys, spicing up the soft and slow tempo that the melody is often recorded in by singers.

The opulence in Bruno's vocals is present in every track as she tailors each melody to her liking.  She wins over the listener with a natural ease, captivating her audience at the start and holding them entranced until the end.   The recording is absolutely lovely.  Her traction on jazz standards is solid, reverberating a voluptuous sonance that has a sturdy grip on the classic melodies.

Musicians:
Lois Bruno - vocals
Kenny Shanker - saxophone
Mike Eckroth - piano
Yoshi Waki - bass
Brian Fishler - drums

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