Corinne Mammana: Yes, No, Next

Vocalist Corinne follows her 2016 EP Under An August Moon (CD Baby) with her full-length debut, Yes, No, Next. Blending the tried-and-true (Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" taken straight ahead) with the downright inventive (The Cure's "Lovesong" rendered as a smooth samba), Mammana demonstrates a dense and fearless creative mettle not frequently equalled by her peers. With a voice at once coquettish and confident, Mammana reveals an ability to address any vocal genre, doubtless from her theater experience. Capably supported by the core trio of pianist Sean Gough, bassist Gene Perla and drummer Ian Froman, with wind input from Lorenzo Branca, the singer is able to showcase her impressive vocal chops, always tasteful and never over-the-top. Mamanna makes it all sound too easy.

A full-service singer, Mamanna arranged the nine selections (ten, including the CD-bonus "Everybody Needs A Best Friend") on the release. Her arrangements are capable and utilitarian until they become sheer genius, as on the thoughtful mash-up of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" with Strauss and Adams' "Put On A Happy Face." It is a well-presented, acute juxtaposition of two quite different songs, seamlessly linked thematically and musically. Few singers could have pulled this off, but Mammana does so with gusto. The singer is a composer also, cooing her way through a blues infused "This And That," while allowing Gough a searing organ solo. In a market clotted with the refuse of much lesser talent, Mammana distinguishes herself as the total package, with an omnivorous appetite for music... any music.