Customer Reviews

A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening

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"The title 'A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening' perfectly describes this incredible CD from Calabria Foti. It is one of the best records I have ever heard. Calabria is truly a marvelous singer in every way. She has all the technique and musicality you could want, and has the ability to tell a story and touch your heart. Everything about this production sounds just like what I would want it if it were my own. I'm jealous! The string arrangements by Bob McChesney are exquisite, as are his trombone solos. I'm sure you will enjoy this CD as much as I do." ~ Johnny Mandel ~

I couldn't agree more with Johnny Mandel! And coming from a brilliant and talented arranger/composer/conductor himself, he perfectly said all the good things about this sophomore CD of Calabria Foti, "A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening." She's one of the most talented and versatile artists who ever graced the world of jazz for she's not only a great singer, but also an arranger, songwriter and violinist as well. You can hear her violin solo on "Do It Again."

With a set of ten timeless and gorgeous standards from the big names of Tin Pan Alley, the likes of George Gershwin, Jimmy McHugh, Cole Porter, Jule Styne, Harold Adamson, among others, Ms. Foti with her impressive vocal art brings glamour with a touch of nostalgia into each song making this CD so listener-friendly and worthy to be in every jazz lover's music collection.

The ingenious charts were flawlessly co-arranged by Ms. Foti with Matt Harris, Trey Henry, and her husband, trombonist/arranger Bob McChesney, who also plays a notable solo on "A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening," an all-time favorite of mine. She is backed by some of the finest musicians/soloists in the jazz scene today namely Bob McChesney (trombone), Larry Koonse (guitar), Matt Harris (piano), Trey Henry (bass), Rob Lockhart (tenor sax), Dick Weller (drums), Luis Conte (percussion) and a string section composed of 26 musicians who are all skilled in violin, cello and viola.

My favorites? Not a single song, but the entire CD. There isn't any uninspiring track from this set -- they're all winners, but she's truly at her utmost best in "The Touch of Your Lips" where she scats impressively.

"A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening?" Quality time with your special someone: a cozy, candlelight, home-cooked dinner complete with your favorite wine and dessert ... and make this CD a part of it and create some wonderful memories to cherish forever.

Recommended? Most definitely! ... to every music lover who greatly appreciate gorgeous vocal jazz recordings.

This a wonderfully soothing album; put on the CD and let your cares go out the window, it IS a lovely way to spend an evening.

In Ms. Foti's second album, she once again proves her voice is of the highest caliber in the biz; I honestly have never heard better for this genre. Sexy, sultry, perfect intonation, wonderfully clear enunciation, are just a few words to describe her vocal talent. Supported by orchestrations which feature virtuoso jazz trombone and sax playing, these familiar Great American Songbook standards are given new meaning and life.

A very beautiful voice and great accompaniment. Her voice is so soothing, a delight to listen to! A wonderful experience. Would like to know when another CD of hers is available. Have shared this CD with several friends that have also found this to be an exceptional voice.

This CD is WONDERFUL! Calabria's vocals resonate a sultry passion that is the theme for this modern Jazz masterpiece. Truly one of the best listening experiences that I can remember. This CD will be on my gift giving list for the holiday season- it is PERFECT for anyone who enjoys real talent and muscial craftmanship!

This is truly an outstanding album. Calabria has a beautiful voice and the superb musicianship to bring out the best in every song she performs. She also has a gorgeous violin sound, and impeccalbe phrasing. The musicians backing her are marvelous, and Bob McChesney plays some unbelieveable trombone solos. The quality of the production is first-rate in every respect. I echo Johnny Mandel's comment that this is one of the best albums I have ever heard.

I have listened to this album everyday for 2 weeks now and I just can't listen enough to this beautiful music. Outstanding vocals, simply a beautiful collection of songs. Well done.

Style, phrasing, vocal control,intonation, interpretation; this chic has it all. I am dumbfounded that she is not more widely heard on radio programs featuring the American Songbook,e.g. High Standards on XM or WDUQ in Pittsburgh. Also, her husband, Bob McChesney knows his way around a trombone.

I first saw Calabria perform in Las Vegas for the LV Jazz Society. I was stunned by the ease with which she delivered such beautiful sounds. Like a perfectly tuned instrument, she performed flawlessly.
After reading in her Bio.that her Parents are Musicians and enveloped her with love and music throughout her childhood and beyond, you can understand, that's exactly what she imparts when she sings to you --Love and Music.
Mr. Sinatra did a few tunes that I think would be great for Calabria (if she's listening) 1) "Please be Kind". 2) "Come Rain or Come Shine". 3) And I love the lyrics in this one, "A Garden in the Rain".
I have her last two CDs "When a Woman Loves a Man" and "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening" and I'm looking forward to many more.
I expect to see and hear a lot more of Calabria in the near future in the Movie theaters, Television and Showrooms of the world. She's a very beautiful and talented woman.

The CD is superb in every way. Her performance, selection of tunes, soloists, arrangements, and production, all show exquisite taste.