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Joanie Pallatto

Joanie Pallatto sings, engineers and produces in Chicago, IL with exuberance!

About Me

Joanie Pallatto is a Chicago-based vocalist, songwriter and lyricist, and partner with Bradley Parker-Sparrow at Southport Records.

Rick Kogan of The Chicago Tribune says of Joanie Pallatto: ”A Stirring and Special Voice.”

JOANIE PALLATTO - 2011 CD Release: “As You Spend Your Life” is a look into the heart, home and essence of Chicago singer-songwriter Joanie Pallatto. This recording is an evolution of all of her life’s passions, creating new songs that identify her unique and modern vision.

These are “Pop Songs with a Jazz Sensibility.”

The life journey includes songs about her mother, “For My Mother’s Love”, the opening track and the first Music Video from the new CD. Social and political waters are tested in “It Didn’t Rain” (the recent flooding in Tennessee) and the guitar duo ballad “And He’s Growing Old” (the plight of the unwanted and homeless.) A tropical Caribbean flavor is present in the danceable “Playa Bonita.”

Pallatto has enlisted her usual cohorts, musicians that raise the bar in any recording project. You’ll hear guitar giant Fareed Haque, harmonica master and pianist Howard Levy, and a special feature with jazz legend, pianist and singer Bob Dorough on the great Frank Foster tune, “Simone” – (with new lyrics by Pallatto.) You’ll also hear Bradley Parker-Sparrow, Dave Onderdonk, Eric Hochberg, Michael Raynor, Alex Austin, Greg Fundis, Jason Smart and Larry Gray with vocalists April Aloisio, Nanette Frank, Diane Madison and Teresa Davis!

“As You Spend Your Life” is the 11th Southport release from Pallatto, and the 2nd CD of all original songs, following “It’s Not Easy” from 2008. These songs are like chapters in an ongoing life novel projecting new memories and dreams.

From 2008 is Joanie Pallatto “It's Not Easy.” Vocalist Joanie Pallatto offers music and lyrics for ten original songs, from mellow jazz-tinged vocals, pop-reggae fun, flowing ballads to fiery Latin grooves - featuring guitarist Fareed Haque, the piano and harmonica of Howard Levy, percussion by Alejo Poveda, Bradley Parker-Sparrow on piano, john E. Magnan and Eric Hochberg on electric bass and John Devlin on accordion, guitars, and bass.

An improvisation by Joanie Pallatto, Bradley Parker-Sparrow, drummer Michael Raynor and the late, great acoustic bassist Eldee Young is track #8, “Tickle, Tickle.” Fareed Haque accompanies Joanie on the bossa ballad, track #3, “It's Not Easy.” Hear John Devlin's accordion sounds on track #2, “Until I Touch the Ground,” and Howard Levy blowing harmonica and playing piano to accompany Joanie on track #9, “A Love That Never Dies.” Alejo Poveda cranks up the fun on track #7, “Happy Life.” Joanie's voice and Sparrow's piano combine on track #6, the haunting “Lonely Train.” Track #10, “Remember Me” flows with the groove of bassist john E. Magnan to close the CD in a loving tribute to Joanie's mother, Charlotte Pallatto.

From liner notes by B. P. Sparrow: ”It's Not Easy is a record. There isn't a side A and B, but the work falls from the voice and heart of Joanie Pallatto. Images flow in black and white, with color past small towns, exotic locations and large smoked out cities. Musicians blend like families at a picnic. Time is frozen, and no one ever leaves, but stays the season.”