Melinda Rose Rodriguez and Frenchy Romero: I'm On My Way

Longtime friends from their Miami days, vocalist Melinda Rose Rodriguez and pianist Frenchy Romero offer their debut collaboration, I'm on My Way. It is a ten-track collection of known fare, as well as original compositions from Rodriguez. The album is a festive musical playground for the two artists, both of whom will be performing in elite U.S. Army Bands in Washington, DC.

Curtains rise with "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," an easy-swinging appetizer with Rodriguez delivering a sassy take. Her rhythmic elasticity here adds a slick tension and her scatted insertions spice. Romero lends a well-spun solo over a four-beat drive. Bassist Vince Dupont also offers a solo. A vocal-keys back-and-forth takes things out. "Once Upon a Summertime," originally a waltz ("La Valse de Lilas") co-composed by Michel Legrand and covered by many with Johnny Mercer's English lyrics, presents Romero delivering a lengthy improvised introduction, which teases Latin then launches into a passionate tango groove. Rodriguez sings the selection initially in Spanish and later in English. This is a sexy tale. "If It's Magic," from Stevie Wonder has Rodriguez stating, with Romero's lush, yet appropriate responses. A rubato platform, there are soulful overtones as both artists make it so. Romero's bop opens "It Could Happen to You," an up-tempo burner. Both artists flitter with melody and rhythm before Rodriguez launches into an Ella Fitzgerald-like scat over Romero's comps. The track also exposes the fact that both Rodriguez and Romero have done their history homework on the jazz vocabulary. Romero is simply swing-possessed on a frantic solo. This is an all-around highlight track.

Rodriguez has an exceptionally appealing higher voice and a killer sense of rhythm, swing, and taste. She is playful, very much a risk-taker and is never reticent to flaunt same. Romero's command of her axe is substantial. She has a blisteringly fast, yet tasteful, set of hands. And, like her long-time friend, one can tell she likes to push envelopes. While this is their first album together, it is obvious that they are mind-melded creatively and know where each wants to go. Because of that, one senses that every take they do would be unique, even vastly different from any other. Bassist Dupont and drummer Matt Wilson are fine and involved supporting with each deeply observant as the women run their creative ways. Trumpeter Summer Camargo, she of the SNL Band, guests and thrills.

"Don't Come Back" is a slick Rodriguez original with shades of "I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out." It is a bluesy ultimatum, which features Camargo with a growling and very-vocalized plungered trumpet solo. Romero and the group burn through the piece and exhibit vengeful musical gusto throughout. "In My Own Little Corner" is another up-tempo statement with theatrical and exotic carnaval overtones. The Latin-grooved Rodriguez original spotlights Camargo again with a spirited solo. Romero quotes "Brazil" in a fierce solo. The rhythm section is driving yet again, with Dupont and Wilson having a field day behind. The title track, "I'm on My Way," has Rodriguez singing over Dupont's hand drumming before things develop swinging. She is on game with punctuated lyrics, and the ensemble follows suit backing. Dupont gives a melodic solo before Romero spins her own. "It's Not You, It's Me," is another speedball on which Rodriguez rips through the lyrics, zipping around with flair. There is more ace scatting from her here. This last track is a perfect climax and closes things out, displaying the entire group's spirit.

I'm On My Way is an auspicious and ambitious first effort. There is an abundance of talent, taste and fun. Whether in Washington or anywhere else, this is a capital effort.

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