Customer Reviews

Softly

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On a February night in 1984, I heard a version of Lionel Richie's "Hello" sung by a female vocalist on a late night smooth jazz FM radio program. I didn't get her name, but did have my cassette recorder taping the program. I played the tape and discovered Roseanna Vitro. Though I searched the local record stores, I found nothing by this artist. (There was no Internet to search in 1984). I moved in 2000 and lost the cassette tape.

In 2002, I found Roseanna's website and ordered her "A Quiet Place" CD, which has "Hello" on it. I will not lose this CD. This woman has a voice that sounds like no other. Her style seems to change with each CD, yet never goes in any direction but better.

I would recommend this CD, or any other by Ms. Vitro, as she sings from her heart, has a pure voice, and becomes part of every song she sings.

Though "A Quiet Place" seems to be only available on her website, her "Softly" CD is just as great a gem. Especially nice is "In Summer".

Roseanna is hidden pearl, waiting to be discovered by any who enjoy listening to a true vocalist.

Roseanna Vitro is a terribly underrated artist, and I saw that only one person had reviewed this (proof of her underrated nature) and all terribly underrated artists deserve 5 stars, just for persevering. Her swinging covers of Romberg's "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise", Rodgers' "Falling in Love With Love" and a more restrained Hendricks' "In Summer" stand out. Also noteworthy is her cover of Bob Dorough's very modal "Nothing Like You", one of the hardest of all jazz standards to sing. (Try to sing it a capella and see if you can stay on pitch!) This is a worthy addition to your collection, especially if you can get it on sale (which you probably can).

I first heard Ms. Vitro 15 years ago in a small club in Manhatten. I realized recently that my recording of Softly is scatched..and I must have another!..This is a great vocal jazz cd. standards and great ballads, with Fred Hersch on piano, what could be better than that. This is a must for any vocal jazz fan. Vitro is one of the best. Lilian Frean

Roseanna's rich expressive voice is in fine form and the Fred Hersch trio is impeccable as always. Fine selection of songs. Roseanna sometimes sounds like she's still finding her style and sounds unconvincing and derivative on "I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues" but her readings are enjoyable on most of the songs, particularly "Nothing Like You",