Mood Ellington

Every once in a while, a jazz recording arrives that reminds us what this music is really about — emotion, storytelling, and the simple, human joy of hearing a great song delivered with sincerity. Paul Marinaro's Mood Ellington is exactly that kind of project. Though widely celebrated as a Chicago vocalist, Marinaro is a native of Buffalo, NY, and you can hear that grounding in every phrase. His approach is warm, unpretentious, and deeply connected to the heart of the music.

A Project of Remarkable Scope — And Remarkable Restraint
Mood Ellington is not a quick tribute; it's a fully realized, carefully sculpted two-disc project of 25 songs, supported by an impressive lineup of arrangers including Alan Broadbent, John Clayton, Bill Cunliffe, and more. The record features a top-tier ensemble of horns, rhythm section, strings, and guest artists — all deployed with taste and intention.

Critics have noted how "almost radical in its restraint" the project feels: rather than chasing novelty or experimental twists, Marinaro opts for clarity, beauty, and emotional truth. The result is an album that feels classic and deeply personal at the same time.

The Arrangements: Lush, Intelligent, and Emotionally Precise
What elevates this album from "tribute" to "statement" is the excellence of the arrangements. Each chart feels like a cinematic setting built around Marinaro's voice — supportive, expressive, and never showy for its own sake. You hear Ellington's colors, but you also hear the arrangers shaping new contours: a fresh reharmonization here, a subtle rhythmic shift there, a string line that adds unexpected warmth.

These arrangements make the album accessible not just to jazz aficionados but to anyone who loves great songs performed with depth and elegance.

Why Mood Ellington Matters
What makes this album special — and so inviting for a general audience — is how it reconnects listeners to what jazz has always been at its core:

Marinaro's interpretations remind us that jazz is not something you study — it's something you feel. The album avoids the cerebral detours that can sometimes alienate casual listeners and instead focuses on melody, message, and emotional resonance. His voice is rich and unhurried, letting every lyric breathe, creating a sense of connection that feels intimate and genuine.

This is the kind of jazz that makes listeners lean in. It's accessible, but not shallow. Classic, but not nostalgic. Emotional without being sentimental. The legacy of Ellington and Strayhorn is treated not as museum material, but as living music — music still speaking to the everyday joys, heartbreaks, and longings we all know.

Five Tracks That Stand Out (Especially for New Listeners)
While the entire project rewards a full listen, these five tracks beautifully showcase the emotional and musical range of Mood Ellington — from lush balladry to bluesy swing:

"In a Sentimental Mood"
A tender performance with a cinematic arrangement that wraps Marinaro's voice in strings and subtle colors. Emotionally direct and gorgeous.
"I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)"
One of Marinaro's most soulful readings on the album; intimate, raw, and deeply felt.
"Love You Madly"
Swinging, joyful, and rhythmically buoyant — a perfect example of the album's warm, inviting energy.
"Caravan"
A standout for its hypnotic arrangement and atmospheric drama, Marinaro leans into the exotic groove without losing vocal clarity.
"Don't Get Around Much Anymore"
Fresh and conversational, this track feels like a contemporary visit with an old friend — a great showcase of the project's subtle reharmonizations and modern polish.

Final Thoughts
With Mood Ellington, Paul Marinaro has delivered a most heartfelt and beautifully crafted vocal jazz album. It's a project that reaffirms the enduring power of the Ellington songbook while reminding us that jazz, at its best, reaches us not through complexity but through understandable language and connection.

Buffalo should be proud of this native son. And jazz listeners everywhere — whether lifelong fans or new to the genre — will find something to love in this warm, elegant, deeply human tribute to one of America's greatest musical legacies.