After a five-year hiatus, Denise Mangiardi returns with On The Brink, a stunning album that showcases her exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and arranger. Recorded in New Orleans, the album blends original compositions with reimagined American songbook classics, capturing a spectrum of emotions in response to turbulent times.
Mangiardi‘s deep connection to the city and its talented musicians, including Tony DaGradi, Johnny Vidacovitch, and Chris Severin, enriches the album’s lush soundscape. Her five new compositions, like the poignant title-track and ‘Portrait of a Lady’, feature intricate string arrangements and thoughtful lyrics that explore themes of resilience and vulnerability. Mangiardi‘s powerful vocals effortlessly convey these emotions, weaving through tender melodies with grace.
The inclusion of classics like Cole Porter’s ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’ adds a nostalgic yet fresh layer to the album, with DaGradi‘s saxophone and Michael Pellera‘s piano infusing the music with timeless jazz elegance. With contributions from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and guest artists like Luca Boscagin and Emily Mikesell, On The Brink is both intimate and expansive. Mangiardi’s ability to balance personal expression with sophisticated arrangements cements her place as a standout contemporary artist, making this album a masterful and reflective body of work.
Listen to title-track ‘On The Brink’ in our Soul & Grooves playlist.
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