Album Notes

Enter an enchanting world with these shimmering renditions of vocal jazz and blues classics.

This exceptional 12-song collection offers a rich array of some of the most provocative music in the standards catalog. These well-chosen songs are an eclectic mix of styles, ranging from sweet to sultry, and from swanky to swinging.

Vintage Velvet thoughtfully brings you several obscure songs that captivate as much as the more conventional ones. Standout tracks include: Comes Love, a playful ode to the inescapable force of love; I’m in the Mood for Love, a jaunty, delightful hit from 1935; Whatever Lola Wants, the vampy samba from the musical Damn Yankees; Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise, a sizzling lamentation on passion and betrayal; and He’s Got Me Goin’, a Tin Pan Alley blues tune replete with coy sexual innuendo and first made famous by Bessie Smith. Other tracks include familiar favorites such as Witchcraft, Route 66 and Moonglow, while the closing song -- an achingly melancholy interpretation of My Favorite Things -- leaves listeners utterly spellbound.

The brilliant band is fronted by vocalist Regina Ruopoli, whose sensual, dreamy alto flows like milk and honey, intoxicating listeners with her engaging tone and tasteful choices. Her lush voice sounds like no one else, but her understated style brings to mind artists such as Julie London, Peggy Lee, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Natalie Merchant and even Karen Carpenter.

The refined musicianship provides a lavish backdrop for her musings. Steve Coe’s guitar work is warm and resonant, Jeff Castle’s keyboard playing ranges from serene to smoking, Frank Ruopoli’s bass lines are appropriate and tasteful, and Nick Jenkins’ drum work is especially polished. The decidedly minimalist production gives the CD an authentic and intimate texture, making it sound as if the ensemble is right there with you.

Backing vocalist and keyboardist, Jeff Castle, offers superb harmonies, and joins Regina on their flirtatious duet, Don’t Go to Strangers. He also takes on the lead vocals in a swinging version of Fly Me to the Moon. His outstanding voice has a distinctive vintage timbre, which gives him the sound of a truly classic crooner.

Vintage Velvet’s appreciation for the golden era of song-making is evident as they breathe new life into these marvelous works, giving you a collection that is fresh, elegant and absolutely mesmerizing.