Joanna Pascale - Through My Eyes (2008) [CD-Rip]

Tracklist

01. Wouldn't it be Loverly
02. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
03. Easy to Love
04. Blue Gardenia
05. Our Day Will Come
06. I Hadn't Anyone TIll You
07. PS I Love You
08. You Turned the Tables on Me
09. Something Wonderful
10. When I Grow Too Old to Dream


Philadelphia native Joanna Pascale ably represents her soulful hometown on Through My Eyes, demonstrating why she's a favorite of some of the city's finest musicians, including preeminent drummer Mickey Roker an expert on swing if there ever was one. Pascale has obviously done her homework, and spent some quality time in the woodshed. Sidestepping what could be another tired retread of the Great American Songbook by yet another generic vocalist, Pascale shows she's got the taste and skills to pull off a pleasantly relaxed set of standards. The vocalist purrs her way through "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" with languid, far-behind-the-beat phrasing, while pianist Andrew Adair serves up the blues flavor to match. Saxophonist Tim Warfield makes an excellent complimentary melodic foil to the bell-like clarity of Pascale's pitch, and the whole band's airy accompaniment expertly cushions the singer's sassy delivery. Elsewhere, she demonstrates rhythmic authority and playfulness on "Easy to Love," stretching syllables for dramatic and ear-catching effect. Ballads like "Blue Gardenia" are particularly pleasant, as Pascale invests the lyrics with real warmth and longing melancholy. Her casual, almost blasé delivery of "P.S. I Love You" is reminiscent of Shirley Horn's signature breathy floatation over a molasses-like tempo. And Pascale's ability to tell a story is evident on "Something Wonderful," where the clarity of the lyrics is put on center stage, with a dramatic intro spotlighting the duo of Pascale and bassist Madison Rast...

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