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Joanie Pallatto

Described by Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune as having "a stirring and special voice," Singer-Songwriter Joanie Pallatto has a history of 43 years as one of Chicago's leading studio voices, an independent artist with 17 albums as a leader/co-leader, and Southport Records co-chair responsible for 100's of recordings of otherwise little-documented local musical artists (Willie Pickens, Von Freeman, George Freeman, King Fleming, Bobby Lewis, Fred Anderson...)

Joanie Pallatto is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM.) Pallatto toured with The Glenn Miller Orchestra as a featured vocalist before moving to Chicago in 1979. Co-owner and partner with pianist/composer and husband, Bradley Parker-Sparrow at Sparrow Sound Design Recording Studio and Southport Records, Pallatto has expertise in all aspects of musical production. As a studio singer and voiceover talent, she has recorded on hundreds of Radio and TV commercials, including McDonald's, United Airlines and Hamburger Helper. As a jazz vocalist, Pallatto has performed at Chicago clubs, including City Winery, The Green Mill, Venus Cabaret Theater, Andy's and New York venues Iridium Jazz Club, Pangea and Birdland. Concert engagements have included Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Cultural Center, The Old Town School of Folk Music, Park West, Stage 773 and Bailiwick Theater; she was also a featured soloist with Daniel Barenboim in "Ellington Among Friends" at Symphony Center in 1999.

Awards include: Lifetime Achievement Award for Extra-Ordinary Contributions to the Music Industry, Chicago Music Awards (2021); The Coleman Award in Music Business Entrepreneurship from Elmhurst College (2018) and the Jazz Journalist Association Chicago Jazz Heroes Award, to Joanie Pallatto & Sparrow (2016.)

2025 New CD Release:

SONG: Original Duets for Voice and Piano. The first duet recording from Southport Records of Chicago's renowned couple, Vocalist-Composer JOANIE PALLATTO and Pianist-Composer BRADLEY PARKER-SPARROW featuring gentle songs, swinging grooves, scat singing and expansive piano solos. Harmonizing Energy creates a mood of intimacy, improvisation and reflection. Drops April 25, 2025.

2024 New CD Release:

"April & Joanie Sing!" Take a journey with APRIL ALOISIO and JOANIE PALLATTO blending music and friendship with April & Joanie Sing! in this compilation of their VOCAL DUETS from 1986-2024 on Southport Records. Drops September 6, 2024 (© SOUTHPORT 2024 S-SSD 0155)

2023 New CD Release:
A new release, dropping May 19, 2023 is Joanie Pallatto - Accidental Melody, featuring Fareed Haque on Southport Records. (© SOUTHPORT 2023 S-SSD 0154)

"Joanie Pallatto can melt your heart down to a puddle."
Achy Obejas, writer, author, poet (from liner notes)

With thirteen new songs from Singer-Songwriter Joanie Pallatto- it's as if you were sitting in the club with the band. Virtuoso guitarist and co-producer Fareed Haque returns! The recording features an acoustic ensemble, with percussionist Eric Hines, Juan Pastor on cajon and percussion, the acoustic bass of John Christensen and pianist Bradley Parker-Sparrow.
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Joanie Pallatto - My Original Plan (© SOUTHPORT 2021 S-SSD 0152) featuring modern guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, showcases Singer-Songwriter Pallatto's fourteen original Jazzy-Pop songs! Produced by Fareed Haque and Joanie Pallatto.

"Listen closely and find out how to dream and how to use those dreams...
With Joanie, the personal becomes universal."
Stephen Cole, Award Winning Musical Theatre Writer (from liner notes)

"Heads up for a singer-songwriter whose new album addresses an adult's issues and insights. 'My Original Plan' -it's a Gem!"
Howard Mandel, journalist, author and jazz critic

October 2021, "Joanie Pallatto's My Original Plan" was presented at New York's East Village haunt, Pangea to rave reviews:
"...witness the Martha Graham of jazz reinventing the genre. THIS is cabaret."
"It was one of the most exciting, odd, life-affirming, and eye-catching shows ever, indeed, it was exactly what cabaret should be."
Stephen Mosher, BroadwayWorld.com
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In 2011, Joanie Pallatto released the critically-acclaimed CD As You Spend Your Life (© SOUTHPORT 2011 S-SSD 0133) and the music videos "For My Mother's Love," "As You Spend Your Life" and "Playa Bonita." A very special guest is Jazz Legend Bob Dorough on Frank Foster's "Simone," with new lyrics written by Pallatto.

Christopher Loudon in the May 2011 issue of Jazz Times stated "Pallatto sounds a lot like Stevie Nicks - if, that is, Nicks was a top-drawer jazz stylist of expansive musical tastes and keen instincts." and "Trying to channel Pallatto is like attempting to bottle a cyclone. It's best to just let her run wild…"

It's Not Easy is Pallatto's first CD of original tunes (© SOUTHPORT 2008 S-SSD 0124) with Fareed Haque, Howard Levy, Alejo Poveda and Sparrow.

Other recordings in Pallatto's discography include Float Out to Sea with Sparrow (2017); Two Again with pianist/arranger Marshall Vente (2015) Days with Joanie & Sparrow (2013); The King and I (2000) with legendary pianist/composer King Fleming; Words and Music (1999); Two with Marshall Vente (1997); FIRE with Von Freeman (1996); Passing Tones (1995); Who Wrote This Song? (1994); and Whisper Not (LP 1986). Pallatto has continually recorded original music with Sparrow, The Light, a tone poem (2004); Canned Beer (2003), and We Are Not Machines (2001).

You can find Joanie Pallatto Music Videos and Live Performances on her youtube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/JoaniePallatto

SOUTHPORT RECORDS ~ Real Jazz Made In Chicago ~ www.chicagosound.com

Awards

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George Freeman: Everybody Say Yeah!

Read "Everybody Say Yeah!" reviewed by Mark Corroto

by Mark Corroto
May 8, 2022

It took a long time (much too long) for listeners to recognize the brilliance that was Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson. The New York-centric jazz cognoscenti have often overlooked talent that comes from Chicago, and artists were often drawn to The Big Apple to seek the recognition they deserved. Beginning in the '90s, though, the focal point of creative music shifted to Chicago and veteran musicians such as Von Freeman, Fred Anderson, and Harrison Bankhead, plus (then) younger talents, Ken Vandermark, ...

Album Review

Joanie Pallatto: My Original Plan

Read "My Original Plan" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
April 28, 2021

"Give my new disc a spin," Chicago-based vocalist Joanie Pallatto e-mailed. “I think you'll like it." That was more than twenty years ago, and Pallatto was right. That album, Words & Music (Southport Records, 1999), was splendid, as was Pallatto, reciting memorable lyrics by Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwin brothers, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Hoagy Carmichael, Bob Dorough and others. It's now 2021 and Pallatto has recorded another “new disc," My Original Plan, on which she sings as well as ever. ...

Take Five With...

Take Five with Joanie Pallatto

by AAJ Staff
March 15, 2021

Meet Joanie Pallatto In February 2021, the Chicago Music Awards bestowed Joanie Pallatto with a Special Lifetime Achievement Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Music Industry. Described by Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune as having “a stirring and special voice," Joanie Pallatto is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Pallatto toured with The Glenn Miller Orchestra as a featured vocalist before moving to Chicago in 1979. Co-owner and partner with pianist/composer and husband, ...

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Album Review

Joanie Pallatto & King Fleming: The King and I

Read "The King and I" reviewed by Dave Nathan

by Dave Nathan
December 1, 2000

King Fleming's first recorded session was held in December of 1945 where he appeared as a sideman playing pianist for Wynonie “Blues" Harris with Johnny Alston & his All Stars. But even prior to that, Fleming is reputed to have had his own band as early as 1939! Shades of Benny Carter. He made some albums for Chess/Argo in the 1950's and 60's. and appeared on some albums of the fine singer, Lorez Alexandria, as well as recording with Sonny ...

Album Review

Joanie Pallatto: Words and Music

Read "Words and Music" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
December 1, 1999

“Give my new disc a spin,” said Joanie Pallatto (via e–mail). “I think you’ll like it” (or words to that effect). Yeah, sure, I thought; another undiscovered phenom. Okay, so she was right; I liked it. A shade below phenomenal, perhaps, but I’ve heard a large number of female singers over the past few years including some big–label hotshots, and she’s in the same league with any of them. Pallatto’s warm, personal style suits well her charming, slightly husky voice. ...

Recording

Chicago's Joanie Pallatto And Bradley Parker-Sparrow Release New Album, 'Song'

Source: Joanie Pallatto
February 24, 2025

Duets for voice and piano from vocalist-composer Joanie Pallatto and pianist-composer Bradley Parker-Sparrow. These twelve tracks of original music and Lyrics create a mood of intimacy, improvisation and reflection. Their personal songs of harmonizing energy are presented as the first duet recording released from Chicago's renowned couple, featuring gentle songs, swinging grooves, scat singing and expansive piano solos. Praise “Joanie Pallatto has a stirring and special voice" —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune “Sparrow is one of Chicago's originals, he does not ...
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Recording

Joanie Pallatto Announces Accidental Melody CD Release Party At Green Mill

Source: Lampkin Publicity Service
May 14, 2023

Southport Records is proud to announce a celebration of the release of Award winning singer/songwriter, Joanie Pallatto's newest recording “Accidental Melody," with a party at the well known Chicago nightclub, The Green Mill Jazz Club. Sunday, June 11th. 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00, Available at the Door. Green Mill Jazz Club 4802 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640 773-878-5552 The Accidental Melody band features: Joanie Pallatto (vocal); Fareed Haque (guitar); Bradley Parker-Sparrow (piano) and Clarenda Gaudio Johnson (sign ...
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Performance / Tour

Joanie Pallatto's 'My Original Plan' To Debut At Venus Cabaret Theater in Chicago

Source: Lampkin Publicity Service
November 12, 2021

Direct from her critically acclaimed appearance at New York's Pangea, singer-songwriter, Joanie Pallatto, returns to her home town to continue the My Original Plan celebration. The show will Debut at the newly opened Venus Cabaret Theater on December 5th. 6:30 p.m. Joining the celebrated Artist, is her co-producer/arranger and modern guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, pianist-composer Sparrow; and special quests, Brazilian Dancer, Dill Costa and Broadway mainstay, actor-singer Bill Nolte. My Original Plan is an acoustic tour-de-force variety hour of song ...
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Performance / Tour

Lampkin Music Group And Southport Records Presents Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Joanie Pallatto 'My Original Plan' CD Release Party in NYC

Source: Lampkin Publicity Service
September 2, 2021

LMG And Southport Records Presents Joanie Pallatto My Original Plan CD Party At Pangea Chicago Music Award winning singer/songwriter, Joanie Pallatto celebrates her critically acclaimed CD My Original Plan, on Friday, October 1st, 7:00 p.m. Joanie Pallatto is an Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter and Producer, described by Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune as having “a stirring and special voice.” Pallatto is the co-owner of Southport Records in Chicago with husband and pianist Bradley Parker-Sparrow. Joanie's CD, My Original Plan, is ...
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Recording

Award Winning Vocalist Joanie Pallatto To Release New CD 'My Original Plan' Featuring Fareed Haque On Friday, April 16th, 2021

Source: Lampkin Publicity Service
March 22, 2021

Southport Records announces the new CD of all original music from award winning singer/songwriter, Joanie Pallatto—My Original Plan featuring Fareed Haque. Jazzy Pop! My Original Plan is a collection of 14 magical songs, filled with hip lush arrangements, co-produced by Joanie Pallatto and Fareed Haque. Featuring Musicians modern guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque with John Devlin, Luiz Ewerling, Howard Levy, Bradley Parker-Sparrow, Bill Nolte, Bobby Lewis, Steve Eisen, Kurt Schweitz and Juan Pastor. “Listen closely and find out how to dream ...
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Performance / Tour

'A Toast To George Freeman' April 28, 2018 Special Guest Billy Branch, With Joanie Pallatto And Sparrow

Source: Lampkin Publicity Service
March 6, 2018

Southport Records and Lampkin Music Group presents: “A Toast to George Freeman"- Special Guest Billy Branch, with Joanie Pallatto and Sparrow on April 28, 2018 This is a general admission seated event. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the show. Media Sponsor: The WFMT Radio Network's Jazz Network. George Freeman is the current living warrior of sound, the Mad Max of the 6-string guitar. The music of George Freeman defies any known mold of musical ...
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Performance / Tour

Chicago Hero Award Winners Joanie Pallatto & Bradley Parker Sparrow In NYC on September 9, 2016

Source: Lampkin Publicity Service
August 23, 2016

Ralph Lampkin / Lampkin Music Group Christopher Gines / Cafe Noctambulo Present “THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES” featuring: Joanie Pallatto & Bradley Parker-Sparrow A Musical Journey Songs of Jazz and Musical Theater Café Noctambulo at Pangea Friday, September 9, 2016 8:00 pm-10:00 pm Café Noctambulo at Pangea 178 2nd Ave (btw 11th & 12th Sts) New York, NY 10003 212-995-0900 NYC's Intimate Downtown Live Music Supperclub ...
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Performance / Tour

Joanie Pallatto at Chicago Cultural Center on April 15th at 12:15pm

Source: All About Jazz
March 13, 2008

Joanie Pallatto - “It's Not Easy" Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:15pm Admission is Free Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Cafe Jazz, Blues & Beyond LunchBreak Series 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602 312-744-6630

“Joanie Pallatto has a voice that is forever young, and enchanting." Lee Prosser - jazzreview.com (February, 2008)

“However, it may be Pallatto's intelligent and creative songwriting that is the star of the show." ...
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"A stirring and special voice." -Rick Kogan, The Chicago Tribune; "It's more than a jazz record. It's just right. Joanie, your voice is simply wonderful. You're a great storyteller. What's on your mind??? The guitar player is fantastic. You and Sparrow sound so good together. I enjoyed all of it!" -Guitar Legend George Freeman on 'Accidental Melody'. "Heads up for a singer-songwriter whose new album addresses an adult's issues and insights. 'My Original Plan' -it's a Gem!" -Howard Mandel, journalist, author and jazz critic; "My Original Plan grows in interest with each listen." -Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene; "...witness the Martha Graham of jazz reinventing the genre