Rose Colella: Cocktail

Vocalist Rose Colella is from Chicago. And so is vocalist Paul Marinaro ( Without a Song (Self Produced, 2013)). It is no coincidence. Colella and Marinaro duet on the medley "Would You Like to Take a Walk—I get Ideas" on her present Cocktails. They shared a holiday duet on a steamy and good-natured "Baby, It's Cold Outside" in 2013. Her Small Hours (Lola bard Productions, 2009) was warmly received as a collection of tried and true standards; and she returns with a libations-themed offering that is elegantly tipsy and exuberant.

Cocktail is an apt title with the inclusion of "One Mint Julep" and "Scotch and Soda" holding down the center of a program populated with after-hours images and sounds. Colella reminds us of the importance of the Benny Goodman vehicle "Flying Home" and starkly quiet "Lonely View." Her duet with Marinaro is nothing but understated fun. They forgo none of the period romance of the old songs in favor of some ill-advised update of the material that lesser talents would attempt. "Let's Misbehave" is a hearty throwback with Colella supplying her own backup vocals while saxophonist Chris Madsen throws a bit of swing into the mix. Cocktail is a durable collection of standards that are well performed and presented.