Customer Reviews

Steven Pasquale: Somethin' Like Love

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Steven Pasquale has made a big impression on Broadway audiences for the past several years. His work has been both musical and straight drama, and he's very good. Many across the country know him much better as the beguiling, but rather slow, Sean Garrity on the TV hit Rescue Me. For those who only know him from that venue, this disc should be a revelation. You will see the tender, intelligent and insightful side of this gifted young man.

On this, his first solo album, Pasquale has decided to deliver an unabashedly romantic program, and this he does with great good taste and class.

I am a good deal older than Pasquale, and looking over the play list I was thinking, "These are the songs my parents loved way back when!" He breathes new life into them all. I was especially moved by "Summertime," and "My Funny Valentine," but hands down - he gives the best rendition I've ever heard of "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep."

His jacket notes pay a loving tribute to his wife Laura Benanti and their little daughter. Steven makes it clear from his notes that this project has come at a time in his life when things are more than pretty good, and the program is in places a very personal expression of his gratitude for his family.

Steven Pasquale has delivered the goods on a super collection of love songs giving them a sensitive, natural, super mellow and subtle performance. His voice is rich but light and never forced. If you have a half decent sound system, you will feel as though you are in an intimate blues and jazz club in the late evening. The arrangements of his program sound fresh and are brought to life by a really together group of accomplices including Larry Fuller and Tony Monte on piano, Martin Pizzarelli on bass, Tony Tedesco on drums, Marcus Parsley playing an elegant muted trumpet and John Pizzarelli on guitar. The sound has wonderful cohesion of interpretation and expression and the technical side of the resording is top notch.

This is the kind of album to share with someone very special, when the kids are either away or asleep, and you have a fine bottle of wine and candle light. Like nights in Venice, it is pleasurable to anyone --- but mind-blowing for lovers.

Before I saw the listing for this CD, all I knew of Steven Pasquale was that he was on one of my favorite shows, 'Rescue Me'. He does a really good job playing Sean (who, let's face it, is a 75-watt bulb in a 100-watt world!). But I did some googling, and found out he's been a musical theatre actor/singer for quite a while, and has been in many broadway shows. I also found out that it was produced by John Pizzarelli (who is one of my favorite singers), so I knew this had to be good. And once I heard some samples, I had to order it. And I was very pleased with the CD. Steven has a very good voice, not just technically and vocally, but he sings the WORDS, not just the notes. He actually puts nuance in the songs, not just singing them from rote. Plus, the arrangements are really good. A lot of times, CD's by theatre singers are nice, but not very memorable. THIS one is one you'll want to hear multiple times. Plus there are several songs on hear that I've not heard before. I hope this is just the first in more releases. If you love standard repetoire, and a really good voice, give this one a try!

Music is so subjective. Who can know why a given artist will bring some to tears but leave others cold? I've loved and studied vocal music for more decades than I care to count. All I can say is that, for me, Mr. Pasquale is one of the most fabulous new voices I've heard in a very long time. Light and soaring while still very rich and expressive. His voice is perfectly suited to these selections. His phrasing and vocal flourishes are never overdone -- adding a delicate intensity to the lyrics of this lovely material. I find his voice fresh and easy to listen to over and over again (and I have!). The Jazz instrumentalists are great. I only hope that this multi-talent finds time to do more studio work. I recommend this CD highly and look forward to the next.

I heard this artist on a PBS presentation of CHESS and was interested in hearing more of his music. Of course Amazon had just what I was looking for. He has been appearing with Michael Fienstien at his club. Oh to be in New York. The album has a lot of oldies but goodies, very pleasant listening.

I bought this as a gift for my ex, after hearing a single cut from it on the radio. Presently I am awaiting my own copy! I was thrilled to finally find a singer that was both good and new! New is not hard to find, but that combo is. So many singers come across as affected. They try to set a mood that they are not actually feeling, and it shows. Others attempt originality, but can't seem to keep Sinatra from creeping into their style.

Steven Pasquale does none of this. His album is a pure delight! His voice is original, strong, yet delicate, and most importantly a joy to listen to. I also noted some excellent horn and piano playing!

If you've ever been in love, you should love this album. If you have not, Steven Pasquale will make you wish you were!

This CD is really one to treasure. The selection of songs is a really nice mixture of deservedly well known ones, interspersed with less well know ones which deserve to be heard more often. The arrangements and the supporting musicians are first rate, but the real joy of this album is Steven Pasquale, who is a really talented interpreter of song who also has a wonderful voice. The jazzy approach to the album suits Steven's voice and shows his ability to move around a melody with dexterity and taste. I look forward to more CDs from this very talented singer!

What a great album. A terrific selection of songs, solid musicianship and Pasquale's ethereal vocals make this a winner. This is one album you will listen to over and over again. Highly recommended.

sensational, cd! great modern interpretation of the american song book plus lovely new ballad,"somethin' like love"

I first saw Steven Pasquale in the movie "Marry Me" playing the character of Luke, who just happened to be cute, charming, intelligent, sweet and witty, with an infectious sense of humor! I adored the character of Luke! I had no idea of Steven's background of work so I started looking.

I read he also sang on the stage in musicals, and found a song from "A Man of No Importance" called "The Streets of Dublin". I was in shock when I heard him sing it because he was absolutely fantastic! I love stage musicals and he has a gorgeous stage voice! You can tell he gives it his all when he sings on stage! I played it over and over!

Then I found this beautiful album, "Somethin' Like Love", filled with wonderful love songs. It is one of the few albums I have found, where every single song is done is the same style, and with his smooth and velvety voice, I loved every single one of the songs! Outstanding!

Steven Pasquale is a man of many talents!

I had never heard of Steven Pasquale until I heard one of the songs on this cd on a radioprogram by Jonathan Schwartz when I was in New York. I immediately loved it and found it on Amazon.com. If you like mellow music with a touch of jazz at times, this is it. This cd was produced by John Pizzarelli, another favourite of mine and he takes care of the guitar arrangements. Lovely cd to listen to.