Album Review: Sing A Song of Bird from Roseanna Vitro

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Album:  Sing A Song of Bird
Artist:  Roseanna Vitro
Label:  Skyline Records
Website:  https://roseannavitrojazz.squarespace.com/skyline-records-1

Sing A Song of Bird is the 15th recording from Grammy-nominated vocalist Roseanna Vitro, who shares vocal leads with some of her mentors including the late bebop jazz legend Bob Dorough, Sheila Jordan, and Marion Cowings each of whom take solo turns, imprinting their own unique and soulful interpretations on several compositions by Charlie "Bird" Parker.  The recording is a celebration of Bird’s music, conceived and guided by Vitro.  Produced by Paul Wickliffe, the release relishes the fancyfree spirit that enabled Parker to take flight.

The buoyant scatting along "The Scatter" infuses a percolating thrust into the melody, giving the tune a catchy vibe.  Moreover, the elevating flights made by Mark Gross on alto sax propping up "Bird's Song" stir up merriment from start to finish.  The recording cools to a bluesy swagger along "Parker's Mood," as Gross's sax juts out sleek smoke rings while Jason Teborek's keys pepper the track in chic glitters.

The swaying bossa nova rhythm of "Grapple with the Apple" is spiced with a simmering cha-cha versing in Vitro's vocals that shifts to a slinky glide along "Audubon's New Bluebird," as Bob  Dorough's vocals punctuate the lyrics with a frolicking stride.  The track features a stunning drum solo from Alvester Garnett that flows with bebop pizzazz.  The silky threads of "Quasimodo" have a moonlight glow that brightens to a cabaret radiance along "Yardbird Suite."

Vitro grooms the songs to a Pearl Bailey-like sheen.  Her reverence for Parker is immense and demonstrates her deep connection to bebop legends.  Vitro's rhythmic acuity is prevalent throughout the recording, making a distinct impression on listeners.

Musicians:
Vocals:  Roseanna Vitro, Sheila Jordan, Bob Dorough, and Marion Cowings
Piano:  Jason Teborek and Alan Broadbent
Bass:  Dean Johnson
Alto Saxophone:  Mark Gross and Gary Bartz
Drums:  Alvester Garnett

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