Denise Donatelli: Take My Breath Away

Understated charms are presented by veteran vocalist Denise Donatelli, who’s guided by producer and arranger Geoffrey Keezer/p on this mix and match collection of musical portraits. Ideas range from a tender spartan duet between Donatelli and Keezer on a riveting “How Deep Is The Ocean” or intimate joining with guitarist Ytaom Dilberstein on a cozy “This Happy Madness” eto a delicate mix of piano and strings on a delicate “You and I Again”. The larger ensembles show that Donatelli works in any atmosphere with style, as an ensemble including tenor saxist Ron Blake in a Don Byas mood for an easy flow of “How Little We Know”, while his soprano floates around Keezer’s Debussy’d piano on a misty “ Summer’s Gone Again”. Classy lassy.