Mood Ellington

One of Chicago's premiere jazz vocalists, Paul Marinaro, released his debut album in 2013 called "Without A Song." He followed up with "One Night in Chicago" in 2015. Then, two more releases in 2022 and 2023. His popularity spread across Illinois state like wildfire, soon crossing midwestern borders and becoming known to the country as perhaps one of a handful of respected male jazz singers who are active around the country.

On this double-set, fifth album release, he celebrates Duke Ellington's music and legacy. Paul Marinaro offers a huge collection of both Strayhorn and Ellington's historic compositions. the first nine songs celebrate the theme of 'love and beauty.' The next set of songs is more introspective, with the third set full of big band bluster. Here are familiar Ellington recordings we know and love.

Marinaro has a rich baritone voice. He knows how to pump it up with emotional integrity and believability. Paul Marinaro can sell the lyrics. When he sings and swings, "I love you, love you madly," I believe him.

This album features 25 songs and thirteen arrangers, including Los Angeles based and New Zealand native Alan Broadbent. He's a two-time Grammy-winner who arranged two of the four Billy Strayhorn compositions. Another Grammy winning bassist and arranger, John Clayton arranged two of Marinaro's songs. "Azure" is a ballad and "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" shuffles and swings its way across my listening room.

Set two opens with the familiar Ellington standard, "Mood Indigo" arranged by saxophonist, Jim Gailloreto. I was puzzled by the arrangement on "In My Solitude" that was reharmonized by five-time Grammy nominee, Chuck Owen. I just didn't understand the harmonies that buried such a beautiful Ellington melody.

The orchestra is made up of an A-list of Chicago musicians, including the sensitive accompaniment of pianist Tom Vaitsas who's joined in the rhythm section by John Tate on bass, Mike Allemana on guitar and drummer, Neil Hemphill.

The horn lines on "All Too Soon" are beautifully executed and Paul Marinaro's voice reminds me a little of Nat King Cole on this tune.

This is a wonderful concert to entertain you in your own personal space. Paul Marinaro's emotional delivery and velvet smooth vocals are both pleasing and captivating. He reminds us of the legendary Duke Ellington legacy. Ellington was both a trendsetter and composer.

This vocalist also reminds us of a jazz heyday, when front-line, male lead vocalists and big bands ruled! He reminds me of the Joe Williams, Billy Ecstine, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Arthur Prysock era. Paul Marinaro's music also petitions the importance and power of the first instrument on earth, the voice.