Dennise Neill band © Glenn Mitchell

Dennise Neill has been presenting some excellent music for quite a few years now. This night [May 23] was no exception. Her third CD, One Kiss Is Not Enough, is a winner, in my opinion. It is a combination of her first (more of a swing tunes CD) and the second, a compilation Latin tunes (With Latin Lovers), done in all five languages that she sings in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Her CD celebration was held at Catalina’s Bar and Grill in Hollywood. I knew this CD release would be quite classy and musically exhilarating with the musicians at this presentation. The sound acoustics were quite good, although this room is a lot bigger than the original Catalina’s of a few years back.

The quartet opened with a familiar jazz number, “This I Dig of You.” The party and the music got off to a groovy start, with shared and meaningful solos all the way around the tune. Neill came to the stage and sang a long-time favorite, “That Old Feeling,” in her own personable style. Her voice is one that seems to be easily recognizable with in the first few bars of any tune. Quite amazing! Dumas kicked out one of his terrific bass solos. Neiill continued with “Estate” (sung in both Italian and English), followed by Jobim’s “Triste.” The band along with Neill was superb. If you hear these performers working together, you will not forget their over-all sound. Everyone blended beautifully. The sound balance was right where it should be, giving Dennise Neill the perfect back-up for all her songs.

The audience settled in early and many were her friends, family and working associates, whom she announced throughout the evening. She performed the title tune from the new CD titled, “Un Bacio E Troppo Poco,” in Italian, meaning “One Kiss Is Not Enough.” The flavor and emotion stood out throughout this song. wowing the audience. Probably my favorite tune of the performance was “La Mer” (done in French and English, “Beyond the Sea”). During Neill’s French and English version of “Autumn Leaves,” I noticed, once again, the relaxed, tight cohesiveness that the musicians, along with Neill, portrayed. Pianist Joe Bagg’s harmonic voicings and eloquent right hand piano work was unusually gift-given. Stout’s trumpet playing was terrific as always. Pinter, Koonse and Brock’s consistent contributions added well to the whole evening. Penland and Dumas consumed the rhythm work to a tee. Their sound was balanced and always right on top. Neill and trumpeter Jonathan Dane sang a hip and illustrious version in duet style of “Speak Low,” a highlight of the show. The closing gem was a brilliant rendition and arrangement of “Corcavado” (Quiet Nights).

See Dennise Neill’s website for more information on her new CD and future performances: www.DenniseNeill.com . Highly recommended.

Reprinted with permission from LA Jazz Scene (June 2007). Glenn A. Mitchell is a Los Angeles based bassist and writer for LA Jazz Scene.