Tiziana Ghiglioni - SONB (Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue) (1992)

Italian jazz vocalist Tiziana Ghiglioni generally surrounds herself with the crème de la crème of modern jazz, which is the case here on her 1992 release titled S O N B. With pieces such as "Gospel 1 & Gospel 2," Ghiglioni performs with soprano saxophonist extraordinaire Steve Lacy, pianist Umberto Petrin, and trumpeter Enrico Rava as the vocalist effectively harmonizes affable melodies along with the instrumentalist's peppery unison choruses and sharp soloing. Ghiglioni exhibits a relatively expansive vocal range, marked by endearing inflections, a dusky tone, and strong faculties as a scat singer who often counterbalances the lead soloists with feathery and expressive vocalese. However, she is equally adept at singing straight-ahead jazz-based themes, which is evident on Horace Silver's "Peace" and elsewhere. Essentially, Ghiglioni utilizes her voice as an additive or illuminator for the often-tuneful motifs and penetrating ensemble work. And while S O N B presents the listener with a hearty mix of originals and jazz standards, the musicians engage in a bit of fun and frolic on the whimsical and somewhat tongue-in-cheek pieces titled "UTAH 1 & 2." Here the leader pursues a bit of operatic style lyricism while also stretching her vocal chords amid lighthearted banter and linear movements as Tiziana Ghiglioni proves that she is a top-flight stylist who is also willing to take risks.