Martin Bonventre SWINGIN’ IN A NEW DIMENSION

December 26, 2025

MARTIN BONVENTRE

SWINGIN’ IN A NEW DIMENSION

Splendido Productions

Martin Bonventre, vocals; Jason Yeager, piano; Boots Maleson, bass; Tony Tedesco, drums; Geoff Burke, saxophones/flutes; Greg Ruvolo, trumpet/flugelhorn.

What started out as a simple four-song recording project for actor, dancer and singer Martin Bonventre suddenly blossomed into a full-fledged cabaret album. Producer, arranger and New York City vocal coach, Jackie Presti, encircled Bonventre’s voice with a group of excellent jazz musicians and wonderful arrangements. He offers eight dramatic tunes; some picked from film and stage. They are perfect to introduce this baritone voice plucked from the musical theater.

Martin Bonventre is a veteran of regional and summer stock theater and theatrical tours. I would not label him a jazz singer. Jazz singers pride themselves in improvisation and the ability to swing, as well as having a clear understanding of the blues. Still, Bonventre is a strong cabaret and theater vocalist, who has picked several perfect songs for his style.

“I’m singing music I’ve always loved, and the difference is that now, instead of singing from a character in a show’s point of view, I’m singing as me. I get to play myself now and my approach is that of a storyteller,” Bonventre shares.

He opens with the show tune, “She Loves Me” followed by Mercer’s song, “Something’s Gotta Give.” This familiar tune was plucked from the 1955 film, “Daddy Long Legs.” Bonventre himself has spent years of dance training.

It’s when he sings the pop song and Michael Jackson’s hit record, “She’s Out of My Life” that this baritone gets my full attention. Bonventre softens his tone and delivers this piece of exquisite music, showing a deep emotional connection.

The songs Martin Bonventre sings on this album reflect his love of the traditional showman and the well-rounded theatrical entertainer. The tunes are dramatic and well played by his incredible jazz band. He closes this debut album with an appropriate song for the season, “What Are You Doing New Years?”

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil