Bay Area vocalist Laurie Atonioli's seventh album is pure magic. Her voice is heavenly, hauntingly beautiful, breathing life into an array of jazz/folk/pop tunes.
Antonioli's elegant, evocative lyrics are perfectly complemented by different composers on five gorgeous numbers -- the yearning "Longing for You," with melody by Russell Ferrante; the pensive "Layla," using Nguyen Le's tune; a radiant "And So It Is," music by Paul Nagle; and a pair of engaging numbers composed by Johannes Enders -- "Highway" and "Moonbirds"
Antonioli has also carefully chosen a number of songs penned by iconic singer-songwriters. She works wonders with three Joni Mitchell tunes. "Love" is especially entrancing. She brings fresh fire into Neil Young's "Don't Let It Bring You Down." Also engaging is her rendition of Sheryl Crow's Riverwide,"
Antonioli is backed by her superb band -- pianist Matt Clark, guitarist Dave MacNab, saxophonist/clarinetist Sheldon Brown, bassist Dan Feiszli and drummer Jason Lewis. They adeptly add to the vibrant colors and textures of Antonioli's supple, expressive voice.