Written By Nicholas F. Mondello
Launching with Smith’s kicking set work and saxophonist Bob Sheppard’s wailing entry on Steely Dan’s “Big Noise, New York,” Donatelli sirens that this is going to be a unique day at the mine. And, with Keezer grabbing the arranging reins, they find gold immediately. Keezer, who tours actively with trumpeter Chris Botti, (who makes a Harmonized cameo) is a gifted performer and arranger whose ability to source and re-work material is uncanny. As an accompanist and otherwise, the guy is a savant. Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith’s brilliant set-work shows why he’s beyond in-demand in the studios. The addition of the strings is a glorious production touch (“Love and Paris Rain,” and “Troubled Child”).
Find a Heart offers outstanding performances and great listening. This is a road well worth traveling. It’s definitely paved “Au”ral. Look it up.
Track Listing: Big Noise, New York; Love and Paris Rain; Spaced Out (En Babia); Practical Arrangement; Find a Heart: Not Like This; Eyes That Say I Love You; In This Moment; Troubled child; Midnight Sun; Day Dream.
Personnel: Denise Donatelli: vocals; Geoffrey Keezer: piano, arranger; Leonardo Amuedo: guitar; Carlito Del Puerto: bass; Marvin “Smitty” Smith: drums; Walter Rodriquez: percussion; Chris Botti: trumpet; Bob Sheppard: tenor saxophone; Christine Jensen: soprano saxophone; Michael Thompson; guitar; Giovanna Clayton; cello; Alma Fernandez: viola; Matt funes: viola; Darrin McCann: viola; Yutaka Yokokura: background vocals; Sy Smith: background vocals; Julia Dollison: background vocals.