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Mario Romano: The Journey So Far
ByThe title of the album is self-explanatory as it provides but a glimpse of this man's journey through life, a journey that also incudes his role as a philanthropist. The music is culled from his debut album Valentina (Alma Records, 2016) and the subsequent Fenyrose Non Dimenticar (Modica Music, 2017), Dina Dance (Modica Music, 2020) and And If You Please (Modica Music, 2019) as well as from performances at prestigious North American venues.
Since it is a compilation, the players joining Romano vary from track to track and feature some of Canada's top-notch musicians including saxophonist Pat LaBarbera, bassist Roberto Occhipinti, drummer Mark Kelso and guitarist Reg Schwager among others. Singer Jackie Richardson opens the album with a towering voice on the Romano original "And if You Please," accompanied by a string orchestra and trumpeter William Sperandei.
The Brazilian flavored "Dina Dance" is a fast-paced number that showcases vocalist Magda Gianoukas and Roni Eytan on sensational harmonica. From his debut album comes the beautiful ballad "Those Damn I love Yous" where the pianist demonstrates his chops on the keysall in accompanying singer Kristy. Romano takes center stage on "Encanto De Mi Nina," with a solo performance on the accordion.
One of the most beautiful songs the pianist has recorded to date is the lovely slow ballad of "Si Tu Quisieras" featuring the exquisite voice of Adis Rodriguez singing the lyrics in Spanish with guitarist Elmer Ferrer and Rosendo Leon on percussion.
The two standards "You're My Everything" and "Non Dimenticar" from Fenyrose Non Dimenticar help round out the repertoire leaving an instrumental version of the opening song as the finale tune featuring Sperandei on the trumpet supported by the leader and band along with a splendid string orchestra putting the cherry on top. There's no question about this one folks, it's beautiful light jazz filled with excellent vocals, remarkable solos and all-around musicianship. Though a compilation, The Journey So Far Is one a heck of a way to celebrate the highlights of an unforgettable musical trek.
Track Listing
And if You Please; Dina Dance; Those Damn I Love Yous; Encanto De Mi Nina; Si Tu Quesireas; Via Romano; You're My Everything; Non Dimenticar; And if You Please (instrumental).
Personnel
Mario Romano
pianoRoberto Occhipinti
bassLarnell Lewis
drumsMark McLean
drumsMark Kelso
drumsAmhed Mitchell
drumsManinho Costa
percussionRosendo Leon
percussionJackie Richardson
vocalsMagda Giannikou
vocalsKristy Cardinali
vocalsAdis Rodriguez
vocalsRoni Eytan
harmonicaReg Schwager
guitarElmer Ferrer
guitarPat LaBarbera
saxophone, tenorWilliam Sperandei
trumpetAdditional Instrumentation
Mario Romano
Album information
Title: The Journey So Far | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Modica Music
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Album Review
Edward Blanco
Orange Grove Publicity
The Journey So Far
Modica Music
Pat LaBarbera
Roberto Occhipinti
Mark Kelso
Reg Schwager
Jackie Richardson
William Sperandei
Magda Gianoukas
Roni Eytan
Adis Rodriguez
Elmer Ferrer
Rosendo Leon