Laurie Bordonaro - A Jazz Songbook (2004)

Quality-something not always valued in contemporary culture-- is synonymous with the Great American Songbook. The standards, along with a small but impressive group of jazz songs written during the 20 years from 1945 to 1965, were crafted in a manner that exudes perfection, and in our time that results in both pleasure and knowledge. For the listener to be impressed with that musical excellence, the melodies and lyrics need to be performed by an artist whose skills are at a commensurately high level.

Laurie Bordonaro is that vocalist. In a career that has covered jazz studies at the Berklee School of Music, the Los Angeles pop-rock scene in the 1980's, and the delights and challenges of many private parties, she has now reached maturity as a jazz singer that belies comfort with the repertoire. Don't guess for a minute, however, that she's coasting. That she puts her heart and soul into each 3 - 5 minute performance is unmistakably evident on every song on this CD.

The best way to describe Laurie's style is swingin' confidence. There's no strain or urgency to her singing. She lays behind the beat, creating forward propulsion that's infectious, a sure prescription for musical pleasure. ~Dick Judelsohn