Whistling in the Dark | All About Jazz

by Edward Blanco

October 7, 2021

Multi Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Denise Donatelli joins forces with Grammy Award-Winning record producer Larry Klein to offer her first concept album devoted to single composer on the soft-textured Whistling in The Dark… the music of Burt Bacharach. The music from one of the greatest song writers in American musical history, was something both Donatelli and bassist/producer Klein had in common. Klein had stated that Bacharach’s music “has been a part of [his] musical DNA…,” while the vocalist affirmed that she “had grown up listening to and loving Bacharach’s songs…” So, when the idea of recording his music was discussed, the project became a reality.

Experienced in working with the virtual who’s who of the pop, jazz and the rock world, producer Klein recruited an all-star cast of players that includes pianist and organist Larry Goldings, guitarist Anthony Wilson drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and guest Thomas Dybdahl on synthesizer on the title track. Known for delivering music for lovers, the romantic side of the composer is explored here with a selection of Bacharach hits like “The Look of Love,” “In Between the Heartaches,” and the Dionne Warwick classic “Walk on By,” three of five Bacharach/Hal David collaborations.

The Bacharach/Elvis Costello song “In the Darkest Place,” and the Bob Hilliard “Mexican Divorce” are dark-toned and introspective tunes where Donatelli’s vocals helps lighten up the mood. One thing is clear about this album, there are no up lifting, swinging, fast-tempo tunes to gyrate to. The music here is warm, gentle and totally on the light side of the jazz spectrum where most ballads of love and heartbreak are found. It’s music for the soul and the heart and not the hips, still beautiful and it conveys those basic human emotions we all experience from time to time.

Armed with a gorgeous voice and backed up by a world-class band, Denise Donatelli’s homage to the music of Burt Bacharach fulfills a long-desired dream for the vocalist and, with a little help from a multi-Grammy-winning producer Larry Klein, is sure to be well received by the song master himself, nicely done.

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