Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Joanie Pallatto and her husband, Bradley Parker-Sparrow, are primarily jazz artists, but their influences include bossa nova and other Latin sounds, world jazz, the Great American Songbook, and even a little pop and Beatles-inspired rock. All of these influences are present in Pallatto’s latest release, “Accidental Melody,” which features music and lyrics exclusively written by Pallatto.
“Surrender” blossoms into a seven-minute introduction of the project’s theme — a philosophical look at life as one reaches middle age and beyond. This exploration continues in songs like “The Melody of You,” “Don’t Ever Look for Love,” “In the Middle of Life” and “Keeping Track of Time.”
The title track, “You Think You Know” and “Shooting Star” all have a Latin flavor. During these tracks, co-producer and master guitarist Fareed Haque steps to the forefront. Haque adds a touch of bossa nova here and Flamenco there, along with a splash of tango and some standard jazz runs.
The two artists magically mesh on “Lafayette,” where Pallatto’s vocals and Haque’s guitar create the illusion of words and notes dancing across a ballroom floor cooled by a soft ocean breeze.
Backed by the piano of Sparrow, bass of John Christensen and percussion of Eric Hines, Pallatto continues to add to a legacy of music that, like Chicago itself, cannot be captured in a single category.
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